Code red heat alert issued for city

With temperatures expected to hit the mid-90s and a heat index approaching 100 degrees, the city Health Department has issued a Code Red Heat Alert that will continue through Wednesday.

Five cooling centers operated by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City will open around the city today at 9 a.m. and each will have cool air, water and ice. Three more centers will be opened by the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education and residents also are encouraged to visit city park and recreation centers if they need a respite from the heat.

According to the National Weather Service, high temperatures for today and Tuesday will be in the mid-90s, and lows will be in the mid-70s. A cold front should be moving in mid-week, dropping temperatures down to the mid-80s. However, showers and thunderstorm will develop ahead of that front, bringing first humidity, then showers and scattered thunderstorms Tuesday night and into Wednesday and Thursday.

"With the highs climbing up into the mid-90s and the moisture in air, the combination of heat and humidity will cause heat index values of near 100," today and Tuesday, said Calvin Meadows of the National Weather Service.

That weather can be dangerous for some populations and Meadows said that people should avoid intense activity, wear light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water. Pets should not be left in hot cars, and also should be given plenty of water.

In addition, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents avoid alcohol and caffeine, wipe skin with cool water as needed, stay inside during the hottest time of day and check on older, sick, or frail people in the community who may need help.

People also should watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which include confusion, nausea, light-headedness and high body temperature with cool and clammy skin. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should seek help immediately.

City cooling centers are:
Northern Community Action Center, 5225 York Road
Northwest District Community Action Center, 3314 Ayrdale Ave.
Southeast Community Action Center, 3411 Bank St.
Southern Community Action Center, 606 Cherry Hill Road (inside the shopping center, second floor)
Western District Community Action Center, 1133 Pennsylvania Ave.
Oliver Center, 1700 Gay St.
Sandtown-Winchester Center, 1601 Baker St.
Hatton Center, 2825 Fait Avenue.

The Baltimore County Department of Health also opened its three cooling centers today. The centers are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Tuesday. They are:
Essex Senior Center, 600 Dorsey Road, 410-887-0267
Lansdowne Senior Center, 424 Third Ave., 410-887-1443
Parkville Senior Center, 8601 Harford Road, 410-887-5338 (baltimoresun.com)