With temperatures in the low 90s in downtown Baltimore on Wednesday, Mayor Sheila Dixon met with city officials to review plans for a possible heat emergency.
“We can?t control the weather, but we can limit the toll extreme weather conditions take on our citizens,” Dixon said in a written statement issued soon after a meeting with the representatives of six city agencies, including the health department and department of housing. “Our cooling centers can and do save lives.”
Given the fact that temperatures were predicted to be in the 90s through Saturday, Dixon spokesman Anthony McCarthy said the mayor wanted to prepare.
“We were getting indications that there were going to be warm temperatures this weekend,” he said. “People have to be made aware of the resources available to them.”
Sixteen city residents died last year from heat-related causes, city officials said.
The city?s health department can declare a “code red” heat emergency if the National Weather Service issues a “heat advisory.”
During a code red, six cooling centers are opened throughout the city offering air conditioning and cold water.
The city?s Commission and Aging and Retirement may open cooling centers at four senior citizen centers, as well.
Police and health department officials will identify senior citizens or other people at risk and either visit or call.
The fire department will pass out tips on how to stay cool.
Residents can call 311 for more information on city cooling centers and other services available during prolonged periods of heat.
City Cooling Centers
» Eastern Community Action Center ? 1400 Orleans St.
» Northern Community Action Center? 5225 York Road
» Southern Community Action Center ? 606 Cherry Hill Road est
» Community Action Center ? 3314 Ayrdale Ave.
» Western Community Action Center ? 1133 Pennsylvania Ave.
» Southeastern Community Action Center ? 3411 Bank St.
The Commission on Aging and Retirement Education may open:
» Waxter Senior Center ? 1000 Cathedral St.
» Oliver Senior Center ? 1700 Gay St.
» Sandtown-Winchester Senior Center ? 1601 Baker St.
» Hatton Senior Center ? 2825 Fait Ave.
Each center will offer air-conditioned space and cold water.
