Mayor Rawlings-Blake Announces Launch of 2012 Code Red Heat Alert Initiative

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:

Sign up for email or text message alerts from the health department at http://baltimorecity.gov/SocialMediaDirectory.aspx

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.

For more information, please visit www.baltimorehealth.org/coderedinfo.