City Announces Code Red Heat Plan

With the heat of summer weather fast approaching Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake unveiled the city’s Code Red heat plan on Friday.

 When the city declares a Code Red heat day it will open emergency cooling centers. The responsibility of declaring a Code Red heat day is up to Commissioner of Health Dr. Oxiris Barbot.

Last summer 919 residents were admitted to area emergency rooms because of heat related illness. About one-third of those were at least 65 years old.

“The actual numbers of heat-related hospitalizations and deaths are likely much higher as many people who seek medical help do not report the heat as the chief complaint,” Barbot said in a press release. “Heat waves can be silent killers especially affecting those with limited economic means or with significant chronic illness.”

The Community Action Program will operate five centers around the city. The centers will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends.

• Northern Community Action Center -- 5225 York Road
• Southern Community Action Center -- 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center second floor)
• Northwest Community Action Center -- 3939 Reisterstown Road
• Southeastern Community Action Center -- 3411 Bank Street
• Eastern Community Action Center – 1400 E. Federal Street

 The Baltimore City Health Department’s Office of Aging and CARE Services will open additional cooling centers. These centers will remain open to all from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

• Waxter Center -- 1000 Cathedral Street
• Oliver Center -- 1700 Gay Street
• Sandtown-Winchester Center -- 1601 Baker Street
• Hatton Center -- 2825 Fait Avenue
• John Booth -- 229 1/2 S. Eaton Street
• Zeta Center -- 4501 Reisterstown Road