Mayor Rawlings-Blake provides update on Storm Response & Recovery Efforts
Saturday Jun 30th, 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Code Red Heat Alert remains in effect with City Cooling Centers opening, City Pools operating on Code Red extended schedule.
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake provided an update on the City’s storm response and recovery efforts. Today, At approximately 12:10 a.m., Mayor Rawlings-Blake activated Baltimore’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to coordinate city operations. Baltimore City remains in Code Red Heat Alert status through Sunday July 1st and will open emergency cooling centers, with cool air and free water beginning at 11 a.m. today.
More than 100 downed trees in city roadways have been reported. City Crews are working to clear downed trees and are restoring traffic signals as quickly as possible. Motorist should continue to exercise caution. Residents are encouraged to contact 311 beginning at 6 a.m. to report downed trees in roadways and sidewalks. Use 911 for police, fire and medical emergencies only. Police, Fire, and EMS resources are fully deployed and ready to respond to any emergency incident.
Baltimore Gas & Electric is reporting more than 98,000 customers without power in Baltimore City. BGE Customers should report power outages by calling 877-778-2222. If you see downed power lines, leave the area immediately and call BGE at 800-685-0123.
“With many of our residents without power, it is important that citizens check on elderly and disabled neighbors throughout the day, especially those without power or air conditioning,” Mayor Rawlings-Blake said. “During extended periods of extreme heat, it’s important to drink plenty of water. Seniors and those with underlying medical conditions should be especially careful.”
Citizens are encouraged to be aware of signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, including: confusion, nausea, light-headedness, high body temperature with cool and clammy skin, Hot, dry, flushed skin, rapid or slowed heartbeat. Seek medical help immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Call 911 if you are having a heat-related medical emergency.
Five City Cooling Centers are scheduled to open from 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.:
- 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
IMPORTANT: Please Call 311 for the most up to date information on Cooling Centers. Additional Cooling Centers may be opened throughout the day.
Mayor Rawlings-Blake also announced that the Recreation and Parks’ Aquatics Division has extended City pool operations by one hour today. Park pools will open noon-8 p.m. and walk-to pools will open noon-6 p.m. For more information, call the Aquatics Division at 410-396-3838.