Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Information
CODE RED STATUS: INACTIVE
The Health Commissioner issues a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert when the forecasted heat index, a measure of air temperature and relative humidity that indicates how hot it feels outside, is greater than or equal to 105ºF.
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) has developed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan to aid in the coordination of efforts between the Baltimore City Health Department, Office of Emergency Management, and service providers within the Continuum of Care (CoC) to provide cooling center information, cold water access, and other vital, life-saving services for Baltimore residents experiencing homelessness during Code Red season.
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) Code Red Extreme Heat Alert Plan is in effect from June 1, 2024, to September 1, 2024.
MOHS Cooling Centers
When a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is issued, the following Continuum of Care (CoC) providers will operate as cooling centers. Days and hours of availability vary and are detailed below:
Facility Name | Address | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|---|
Manna House | 435 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218 | Monday - Friday, 11:30 am - 3 pm |
My Sister's Place Women's Center - women and children only | 17 W. Franklin St., Baltimore, MD 21201 | Monday - Sunday, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm |
Beans & Bread | 400 S. Bond St., Baltimore, MD 21231 | Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Franciscan Center | 101 W. 23rd St., Baltimore, MD 21218 | Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm |
Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) | 620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Monday - Sunday, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm |
* Please call 311 for the latest cooling center hours and information.
Baltimore City Cooling Centers
Baltimore City Cooling Centers are available to all Baltimore residents, including those experiencing homelessness. Residents may also visit open Pratt Library locations during normal business hours to seek relief from the heat.
View an Interactive Map of Baltimore City Cooling Centers.
Cold Water Distribution
On Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days, MOHS Outreach Teams will coordinate cold water distribution to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness throughout the city. The following emergency shelters and community outreach offices will also have cold water onsite during these days:
Facility Name | Address |
Holiday Inn Express - Men's Shelter | 221 N. Gay St., Baltimore, MD 21202 |
Fairfield Inn - Women's Shelter | 101 S. President St., Baltimore, MD 21202 |
Weinberg Housing & Resource Center (WHRC) - Men & Women's Shelter | 620 Fallsway, Baltimore, MD 21202 |
Sarah's Hope Family Shelter | 1114 N. Mount St., Baltimore, MD 21217 |
People Encouraging People - Outreach Office | 4201 Primrose Ave., Baltimore, MD 21215 |
Downtown Partnership of Baltimore - Outreach Office | 20 S. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21201 |
Code Red Resources
Baltimore City Health Department
The Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) leads a multiagency group to coordinate Baltimore City’s approach to support residents during periods of severe heat, also known as the Code Red Extreme Heat season. For more information about Code Red Extreme Heat response and resources, please visit the BCHD website.
Additional Resources
- 311 - Individuals unsure of whether a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert is in effect can call Baltimore City 311 Services for clarification. 311 operators will also provide residents with cooling center locations, safety tips, and other information about warning signs for heat-related morbidity. Individuals can also call 3-1-1 to report concerns about vulnerable neighbors on Code Red Extreme Heat Alert days.
- 911 - If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a heat stroke or other heat-related illness, call 9-1-1 immeidately.
- State of Maryland Emergency Assistance - Anyone without electricity is particularly vulnerable to heat-related health problems. City residents who need energy assistance can apply through the State of Maryland's Emergency Assistance portal or call 1-800-332-6347. Older adults who need energy assistance can call 410-396-CARE (2273) for assistance.
- U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) - Homeless service providers can use these tips to best serve people experiencing homelessness in high temperatures.
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(View the MOHS Cooling Center graphic in Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic).
