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| Monday is the first day of summer. As it does every year, summer will bring many hot and humid days. In fact, Sunday's temperature may reach 95 degrees. Last summer was very mild, and we were fortunate that Baltimore City had only one weekend of extreme heat, during which a Code Red Heat Alert was called for. However, experience tells us that we should be prepared for long stretches of hot weather. I urge everyone to take the heat seriously.
When the weather begins to swelter, our city agencies have a responsibility to help citizens stay cool, healthy, and safe. Baltimore's multi-agency Code Red Heat Alert plan has been recognized as a model for cities all over America. Last summer, we did not have a single heat-related death in the city. With the coordinated efforts of City agencies, and the help of the public, Baltimore is again prepared for the summer heat.
It is especially important that we reach out to our seniors and vulnerable populations, who are most at-risk during these events. Published research shows that 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.
When conditions become dangerous, the Baltimore City Health Commissioner is responsible for declaring a Code Red Heat Alert, and a press release announcing the alert is sent to local media. There are plenty of ways to find out if a Code Red Heat Alert is in effect:
When a Code Red Heat Alert is in effect, the Department of Housing and Community Development and the Commission on Aging and Retirement Education will open cooling centers around the city. The cooling centers offer an air-conditioned space and cold water for residents without access to cool air in their homes.
During periods of extreme heat, the Baltimore City Health Department recommends that city residents:
- Drink plenty of water or juice.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Wipe skin with cool water as needed.
- Reduce outside activities.
- Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.
- Stay inside during the hottest time of day.
- Watch out for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including confusion, nausea, light-headedness, and high body temperature with cool and clammy skin.
- Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur.
- Seek relief from the heat in air-conditioned locations.
- Check on older, sick, or frail people in your community who may need help responding to the heat.
City residents who want information on the cooling centers or bus passes can call 311. Anyone experiencing the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke should call 911 immediately. Additional information, including outreach materials for community groups, can be found at http://www.baltimorehealth.org/coderedinfo.html. |
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Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor, City of Baltimore
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Youth B'More
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake recently announced the launch of the "Youth B'More" initiative ensuring that all city agencies work together to maximize outcomes for Baltimore City youth. "The two goals for this initiative are that our youth are ready to learn when they enter school, and ready to earn when they graduate high school," said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. "Our objective is to ensure that every young person in Baltimore City has the tools they need to learn more, earn more, and be more this summer and throughout the year." For more information, or to search for programs or activities, visit www.youthbmore.org. |
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CreateAThon
CreateAThon provides welcome relief for some of Maryland's 26,000 non-profit organizations, as most organizations anticipate lower income
through donations and dramatically increased demand for their services. This pro-bono program offers free marketing and communications
projects, and is sponsored regionally by Purple Cat, a Kent Island public relations firm. Applications are available at www.purplecatpr.com or by contacting 410-604-2319. The deadline for applications is July 12. |
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GED Classes for Seniors
Have you always wanted your High School Diploma but never had time to achieve this goal? Your time has come. Sponsored by Druid Heights
Community Development Corporation, these GED preparation classes are for senior citizens. Registration ends on August 15. For more
information, contact Jeri Manning at 443-872-0683. |
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Training and Placement for Green Careers
Civic Works will promote sustainable employment in high demand "green collar" jobs for Baltimore's underserved populations. Funded by over $1
million in grants, Civic Works will expand its B'more Green program to train unemployed and underemployed Baltimore residents in providing
energy retrofit services. This is in addition to B'more Green's existing training classes in brownfields remediation, hazard abatement, and
environmental demolition. For more information on the Baltimore Center for Green Careers, please call 410-929-6124 or visit
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Spirited Women of Baltimore Nominations
The "Spirited Women of Baltimore" awards, presented by Morton's The Steakhouse and MyCity4Her.com, will honor the three "Spirited Women" and will benefit the American Red Cross of Central Maryland. Nominations are currently being sought for three awards to honor Baltimore area
women. For more information, visit baltimore.mycity4her.com and click on events. Deadline for nominations is Tuesday, June 30. |
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Draft Zoning Code Released
The City of Baltimore Department of Planning is pleased to announce the public release of a draft version of the new Zoning Code. The Zoning Code was last comprehensively updated in 1971, since then, economic realities and the design goals of the City have evolved. This document is an initial step to replace the current Zoning Code. A series of public informational meetings will be held to present the new code and answer questions. For more information and meeting dates, times, and locations, go to www.rewritebaltimore.org. For questions, call the Department of Planning at 410-396-PLAN. |
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Fugitive Safe Surrender June 16-19, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
New Metropolitan Baptist Church, 1501 McCulloh Street Are you or someone you know Wanted for a non-violent crime in Baltimore? Consult with an Assistant Public Defender, and speak to a judge--all on-site. You may receive favorable consideration for your surrender. This program is not for those who have warrants for child support, warrants from Baltimore County Circuit Court or any jurisdiction outside of Baltimore City or Baltimore County, are not American citizens or legal residents, or are juvenile offenders. Please do not bring children.
For more information, call 311 or 443-263-2220. |
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African American Heritage Festival Friday, June 18-Sunday, June 20
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Lots B and C Celebrate the history, culture, heritage, and arts of African Americans with nationally known entertainment and educational exhibits. Free before 4:00 pm, $5 after 4:00. Times are Friday, 5:00 pm-10:00 pm; Saturday, 12:00 pm-10:00 pm; and Sunday, 12:00 pm-9:00 pm.
For more information, call 410-235-2227 ext. 211 or visit www.aahf.net. |
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Foreclosure Prevention Workshop Saturday, June 19, 9:00 am-3:00 pm
Woodlawn Senior High School, 1801 Woodlawn Drive, Gwynn Oak Congressman Elijah E. Cummings invites you to learn about credit repair, foreclosure scams, and mortgage payment solutions. Receive FREE legal advice and housing counseling. Please bring copies of all pertinent documents.
For more information, and to view the event flier, visit cummings.house.gov. |
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Baltimore Pride Saturday, June 19, 3:45 pm-10:00 pm
North Charles and Eager Street, Mt. Vernon Sunday, June 20, 11:00 am-6:00 pm
Druid Hill Park Starting with Baltimore's first festival in 1975, Baltimore Pride celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Baltimore and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. The celebration begins on Saturday with a high heel race, parade, and block party in Mt. Vernon. Sunday's festival includes music from national and local performers, games, a children's play area, a dog watering station, and over 150 vendors.
For more information, visit www.baltimorepride.org. |
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Literacy Baltimore Conference Wednesday, June 23, 8:00 am-12:30 pm
Enoch Pratt Central Library, 400 Cathedral Street Join Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake for a morning of dynamic speakers and stimulating conversation. Experts, educators, and service providers committed to eradicating intergenerational illiteracy will address the learning differences that challenge low literacy adults and focus on promoting lifelong reading and learning.
For more information, visit www.literacybaltimore.org. |
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Eviction Prevention Seminar Wednesday, June 23, 9:00 am-1:30 pm
New Shiloh Baptist Church, 2100 North Monroe Street This FREE community education seminar, organized by University of Maryland Extension (UME), aims to reduce the rate of tenant eviction in Baltimore City. Come learn about tenant resources, budgeting to prevent eviction, energy conservation, and more.
For more information, call UME at 410-856-1850. |
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Federal Health Reform Forum Thursday, June 24, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Tilghman Auditorium, 720 Rutland Avenue Friday, June 25, 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Turner Auditorium, 720 Rutland Avenue What does health reform mean for you, your business, or nonprofit? Come ask the experts. Join panelists from AARP, Families USA, Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations, Maryland Health Care for All! and the Small Business Majority. To register or to view the live June 25th webcast, go to www.jhsph.edu/maphtc.
For more information, contact the MidAtlantic Public Health Training Center at 443-287-7833 or maphtc@jhsph.edu. |
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Tri-Park Festival Saturday, June 26, 12:00 pm-9:00 pm
Patterson Park, Linwood Avenue and Eastern Avenue Hosted by the neighborhoods of Belair-Edison, Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello, and Greater Lauraville, the Tri-Park Festival will feature a full day of music, events, and healthy living. Daytime activities will take place at Lake Montebello and Herring Run Park. Evening musical entertainment will be at the Clifton Park amphitheater, featuring local jazz musician, Lafayette Gilchrist.
For more information go to www.neparksdistrict.org, email info@neparksdistrict.org, or call 410-235-6715. |
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