Information on emergency ice distribution, Code Red cooling centers, and emergency shelters. City crews continue to clear downed trees, restore traffic signals.

This morning, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake provided an update on the City’s response to Friday’s storm. Since early Saturday morning, Baltimore Emergency Operations Center has remained fully activated to coordinate city recovery efforts. City officials are in constant communication with each other, and their counterparts in state and federal agencies.

Baltimore Gas & Electric is reporting more than 47,371 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.

City Crews have worked tirelessly to clear downed trees and debris and are restoring traffic signals as quickly as possible. Because power has not been restored to all traffic lists, motorists should use extreme caution when encountering an intersection with disabled signals. Motorists should treat it as a four-way stop. Throughout the day, police officers and Special Traffic Enforcement Officers (STEOs) to direct traffic at dozens of critical intersections.

Residents are encouraged to contact 311 from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. to report downed trees in roadways. Use 911 only for police, fire and medical emergencies.

On Sunday, the Baltimore City Health Department extended the Code Red Heat Alert through Tuesday, July 3rd. High temperatures create potential dangers for residents. Emergency Cooling Centers will be open throughout the city, providing cool air and free water from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. And, beginning at 10:00 a.m. this morning, ice will be distributed to residents at four locations. Please call 311 for the most up to date information on Cooling Center and ice distribution locations.

On Monday evening, Mayor Rawlings-Blake announced the opening of two emergency shelters for families without power. Baltimore Housing opened shelters at the Baltimore Junior Academy located at 3006 West Coldspring Lane and at the Dawson Family Safe Haven Center located at 1400 East Federal Street. Each location has 75 beds, and is supported by American Red Cross and the Baltimore Health Department.

“With temperatures expected to be at or above 100 degrees for the rest of the week, it is important to drink plenty of water and stay cool,” said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “Seniors and those with underlying medical conditions should be especially careful. I urge every citizen to take the time to check-in on elderly friends and neighbors today, especially those without power or air conditioning. Just because you have power at your house, it does not mean all of your neighbors do as well."

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.

Residents should be reminded to always use portable generators outdoors and away from vents. Never use generators inside of homes, garages, basements, or any enclosed area.