Baltimore Office of Sustainability

Join the Commission on Sustainability next week, Wednesday, August 21st from 4-6pm, as we continue our series of discussions on Energy & Economy! For the second meeting in the series, we will focus on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency

Register on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/BWEa50QHZUQ

MyCoast: Maryland allows you to communicate flooding and storm damage in your community. It is a portal to collect and analyze photos which are linked to precipitation, riverine, and tidal data to create reports that help government agencies, business owners, and residents understand impacts in your community and encourage action to reduce localized flooding.

Be sure to download the MyCoastMD app to upload photos of the flooding taking place in your area!

The first step of preparing for hurricanes is to know your risk. Find out today what types of water and wind hazards could happen where you live. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be felt hundreds of miles inland, and significant impacts can occur regardless of the storm’s strength. Know if you live in an area prone to flooding, if you live in an evacuation zone, and identify any structural weaknesses in your home.
noaa.gov/know-your-risk-water-wind

AgriHood Baltimore Farmers Market is open today and every Wednesday! Join local urban farmers at Druid Hill Park from 3:30PM-7:30PM (rain or shine)

Farmer Chippy and his team at The Plantation - Park Heights Urban Garden are ready to provide you with fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, and flowers!

Go support local vendors, artisans, chefs, and more every Wednesday in Druid Hill Park near Rawlings Conservatory!

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) announced today that it will make sandbags available for Baltimore City residents and business owners in preparation for possible heavy rains and isolated flooding in low-lying areas this afternoon and evening due to the threat of a severe thunderstorm. The possibility of additional heavy rains and high tides may also cause isolated flooding later this week, potentially on Friday and Saturday, as the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby impact the Baltimore region.

The Department of Transportation will have limited quantities of sandbags available for city residents and business owners. Sandbags will be available to Baltimore City residents and business owners today, Tuesday, August 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the following locations:
- Fells Point – Intersection of Thames Street and Broadway
- Frederick Avenue – Stillmeadow Church located at 5110 Frederick Avenue
- Intersection of Hillen Road and 35th Street

Sandbags will be available to Baltimore City residents and business owners on a first-come, first-served basis. Those picking up sandbags will be asked to show proof of residence or business ownership in the City of Baltimore, such as a driver’s license, utility bill or business license. Residents and business owners must fill and transport their sandbags. The Department of Transportation will supply sand, bags, bag ties and shovels on-site at the locations listed above.

Please note that the timing and path of the storms listed above may change. Residents should stay tuned to local media channels and social media sites throughout the week for updated weather information.

We are one week away from the next Splash Fest! Are you under the age of 18 and looking for some lit summer fun? Register to attend Splash Fest on Friday, August 9th at Baltimore Recnparks Druid Hill Park Pool! Register today at https://ow.ly/GQbg50SQj4V.

After you register, get prepared with this key know before you go list!

1. Make sure you’re registered!
2. You MUST be under 18.
3. Only swimwear will be allowed on the deck.
4. No excessively revealing attire.
5. Only small and clear bags allowed.
6. No outside food or drinks allowed.

For more info, visit https://ow.ly/q5yf50SQj4X

Today is Day 2 of Baltimore's Code Red Alert for the month of August. As these extreme heat temperatures continue, it is important that we not only stay cool, but remain knowledgeable of how heat can impact our bodies. Heat-related illnesses can range from mild to lethal, so be sure to inform yourself on the various signs of heat illness and the appropriate first aid response.

If you are looking for more information on cooling center locations, safety tips, and information about warning signs for heat-related illness, call 311 or visit https://health.baltimorecity.gov/coderedinfo

We are in store for another hot weekend! The Baltimore City Health Department has implemented a Code Red Extreme Heat Declaration from Thursday, August 1st, through Saturday, August 3rd.

Meteorologists forecast a high temperatures and heat indices over the next few days. Thursday and Friday are expected to reach 96°F, with a heat index of 105°F and 108°F, respectively. Saturday's high temperature is projected to be 94°F with a heat index of 101°F.

Prepare for the heat by staying hydrated, covering your windows, and staying in air-conditioned locations. If you don't have air conditioning at home, consider visiting a cooling center near you or following these pro tips. Find a cooling center near you by using this map: https://ow.ly/HsSR50SPArX

Build community connections and grab a free smoothie at the CareFirst Community Resource Fair on Monday July 29th from 10 am to 2 pm! Blood pressure screenings, professional massage services, assistance with healthcare enrollment, and so much more will be available for you. Come on by to this free one stop shop to learn more about health care!

You do not need to have CareFirst insurance to attend this event. Register to attend the event at https://www.carefirst.com/cec/

Have questions? Email [email protected].

Join us at Rock the Block tonight from 6 pm to 9 pm! There will be free food, fun activities, and helpful resources available. Come check out our Sustainability table to grab yourself a free reusable bag and learn more about how we, as a community, can make Baltimore more sustainable. Hope to see you there! 😎

Join us for a Special Reel Rewards Event today, Saturday, July 20th from 3-6PM at Middle Branch Park! This event is free and open to the public. There will be free snacks and swag giveaways. Stop by to learn about the Chesapeake Bay, the Reel Rewards Invasive Fish Bounty Program, and share your opinions about the environment. There will also be surveys available to complete. All those who take a survey will receive a one-time $10 virtual visa gift card for supporting our research!

This event is done in partnership with the Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI), Integration & Application Network at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (IAN-UMCES), the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center - Chesapeake Bay Water Watch (SERC-CWW), and the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF).



Save the event on your calendar using this link! https://ow.ly/U0Sr50SAy50

Want to help the city meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2025? Why not go electric?! Don't worry about not being able to find a charging station because the Parking Authority of Baltimore City is working to equitably distribute charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) so that city residents can easily charge their EVs. Watch this video to see how a fellow Baltimorean benefits from having publicly accessible EV charging stations! https://fb.watch/tmv-w96UTV/

The application deadline for Project Fresh Eats in Every District (FEED) is rapidly approaching! Project FEED aims to address food disparities in Baltimore neighborhoods by increasing access to affordable and culturally diverse food sources. Interested in applying? Submit your application by July 22, 2024 using this link: https://ow.ly/upKe50SCF3O

Join us today from 4 pm to 6 pm for our Commission on Sustainability meeting to discuss energy and the economy! RSVP on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/BWEa50QHZUQ

It's hot outside! Looking for ways to stay cool? Visit a cooling center or Enoch Pratt Free Library near you!

Join us for a Special Reel Rewards Event on July 20 (Saturday) from 3-6PM at Middle Branch Park! This event is free and open to the public. There will be free snacks and swag giveaways. Stop by to learn about the Chesapeake Bay, the Reel Rewards Invasive Fish Bounty Program, and share your opinions about the environment. There will also be surveys available to complete. All those who take a survey will receive a one-time $10 virtual visa gift card for supporting our research!

This event is done in partnership with the Environmental Justice Journalism Initiative (EJJI), Integration & Application Network at University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (IAN-UMCES), the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center - Chesapeake Bay Water Watch (SERC-CWW), and the
Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF).



Save the event on your calendar using this link! https://ow.ly/U0Sr50SAy50

Recent temperatures have been significantly warm. As indicated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, increased heat can contribute to elevated electricity expenses, potentially causing financial strain for individuals and households.

Low-income households may be eligible for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP). The MEAP provides financial assistance with home heating and cooling bills.

For more information, visit https://dhs.maryland.gov/office-of-home-energy-programs/

After today, the Code Red Extreme Heat Alert will be lifted, but it will still be hot outside. Are you looking for ways to stay cool? Go make a splash at Baltimore Recnparks pools! For more information about pools in the city, visit https://bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/aquatics

Summer 2022, we partnered with 12 other cities in a nationwide study led by New York City-based Natural Areas Conservancy. The study examined the cooling potential of forests and green spaces. The results were telling - these natural areas were up to 9 degrees cooler than average citywide temperatures depending on city and forest type.

Improving forests and green spaces is vital to better managing the effects of a changing climate! This cooling study will help Baltimore chart a better path for our future.

Read the full study results:https://naturalareasnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NAC-Cooling-Cities.pdf

Next week! Join the Commission on Sustainability each month to learn about initiatives, projects and programs intended to make the city more sustainable, more equitable and more climate resilient. The July meeting, Wednesday July 17th from 4-6pm, will kick off a series of meetings on the topics of Energy & Economy, first focusing on recent legislation and funding opportunities.

Register on Eventbrite: https://ow.ly/BWEa50QHZUQ

We are hiring! We are looking for a Project Specialist to help with our climate and resiliency initiatives. Are you interested in taking climate action and building disaster preparedness for local Baltimore communities? Apply for the Climate Action Project Specialist position today! https://tinyurl.com/w2evcfjp

Are you excited for the 4th of July? Have fun, but more importantly... STAY COOL! A Code Red Extreme Heat Alert has been declared for Baltimore, starting tomorrow and ending on Saturday. Follow these tips and go to local cooling centers to stay cool

“Together with our agency partners and community-serving organizations, we are striving to wrap our arms around our young people and their families in ways that prioritize their safety and make critical connections to resources where appropriate.” – Stefanie Mavronis

Looking to play basketball this summer? Register to participate in Night Hoops by this upcoming Monday, July 1st!

Looking to stay cool in this summer heat? Go to Splash Fest! Starting next Friday, Baltimore Recnparks will be hosting 4 pool parties for teens. For more information, visit www.bmorechildren.com

Today is the day! Come check us out at our Open House event tonight from 4-7 pm! Bring your friends & family because this event welcomes everyone! Let us know you're coming to the 2024 Sustainability Open House by RSVPing at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/vzmft5d

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the organizations that you will have a chance to talk to at our Annual Open House tomorrow (June 26th)! Let us know that you will be attending the 2024 Sustainability Open House by RSVPing at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/vzmft5d

Let’s create a greener Baltimore together. Come to our Open House event this Wednesday (June 26th) to grab yourself a free plant and so much more 😊 Let us know that you will be attending the 2024 Sustainability Open House by RSVPing at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/vzmft5d

Need somewhere to stay cool during the Code Red Alert? Visit your nearest public library. Check out this list of public libraries in Baltimore!

As the temperature rises, it's important to be mindful of the potential dangers of heat. Stay cool and safe by following these tips!