FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Ryan O’Doherty
(410)818-4269
ryan.odoherty@baltimorecity.gov
BALTIMORE, MD. (June 20, 2012) – Mayor Stephanie
Rawlings-Blake joined city health officials to announce the start of the 2012
Code Red Heat Alert Initiative, a multi-agency, coordinated approach to
providing cooling relief to vulnerable populations in Baltimore City during a
heat crisis.
“During the summer months, residents and visitors need to
take the heat seriously and take steps to protect themselves and their family
from harm,” said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “Don’t let yourself be caught
off guard. Dress appropriately, drink lots of water, and take frequent breaks,
when possible.”
The commissioner of health declares a Code Red alert
whenever the heat index—a temperature gauge that factors in relative
humidity—rises to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, or when conditions exist that pose a
threat to public health.
Heat waves are silent killers. The effects of heat are
cumulative, meaning a person can become ill after several days of above-average
temperatures. Older adults and the medically frail are at an increased risk for
developing heat-related illness. Last summer, 80 percent of heat-related
deaths, as noted by the state medical examiner, were people age 55 and older.
“Heat-related hospitalizations and deaths are highly
preventable,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “On Code Red days,
it’s important to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay in touch with your
neighbors—especially seniors and the medically frail who live alone or without
air conditioning.”
During heat waves, there is the potential for increased
mortality from cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and stroke.
Published research shows the greatest risk of death is for vulnerable
individuals without air conditioning or a strong social network. Those without
electricity may be particularly vulnerable to heat-related health problems.
“Nearly half of all heat-related EMS calls last summer came
from addresses located less than a mile from a cooling center,” said Baltimore
City Fire Department Chief Jim Clack. “It’s imperative that residents utilize
these centers to stay cool and hydrated on Code Red days.”
During a heat crisis, a press release announcing a Code Red
Heat Alert is sent to local media, City agencies, and private sector partners.
The public has several other ways to find out if a Code Red Heat Alert is in
effect:
Call 311, the City service line
Check the Health Department website at
www.baltimorehealth.org/coderedinfo.html
Facebook and Twitter users can get real-time notifications
and updates by following the Health Department (BaltimoreHealth on Facebook and
@BMore_Healthy on Twitter)
On Code Red Heat Alert days, Baltimore City will open
emergency cooling centers. Each center will have cool air and free water
available.
The Community Action Program will operate five centers
around the city. These centers will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on
weekdays and 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays:
Northern Community Action Center, 5225 York Road
Southern Community Action Center, 606 Cherry Hill Road
(inside the shopping center, 2nd floor)
Northwest Community Action Center, 3939 Reisterstown Road
Southeastern Community Action Center, 3411 Bank Street
Eastern Community Action Center, 1400 E. Federal Street
The Health Department’s Office of Aging & CARE Services
will operate five additional cooling centers.
These centers will be open to all
from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays only:
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
“Residents who are concerned about a neighbor should call
311. Call 911 if you are having a heat-related medical emergency,” said Chief
Clack.
City residents who want information on the closest cooling
center can call 311, the City service line. Any city resident experiencing the
signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911.
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