BALTIMORE, MD (Friday, June 21, 2024) – Today, Mayor Brandon M. Scott, Baltimore City Recreation & Parks (BCRP), Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) announced that the 2024 AFRAM Music Festival in Druid Hill Park will still be held in light of the extreme heat weather forecast. Due to forecasted high temperatures, the Baltimore City Office of Recreation and Parks and the Office of Emergency Management are taking additional precautions to address the extreme heat. 

Additional precautions will be in place to address the Extreme Heat weather forecast for the duration of the event, including:

• Emergency water distribution 
• Cooling Stations and misting apparatus available for all attendees
• Buses to serve as emergency cooling stations on-site
• Booths with sunscreen available

Cooling station and sunscreen locations can be identified on the AFRAM 2024 footprint map below.

Attendees are also encouraged to follow some best practices, tips, and preparations that can be implemented ahead of attending this weekend’s AFRAM festivities. 

During periods of extreme heat, like the ones forecasted for AFRAM, the Baltimore City Office of Emergency Management recommends the following:

• Wear (and regularly reapply) sunscreen.
• Cover your head with a hat wide enough to protect your face. 
• Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing will also help you to stay cool.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. 
• In the heat, avoid drinks and substances that can exacerbate dehydration. These include:
  • Drinks containing caffeine, including tea and coffee 
  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco and cannabis-products

As you sweat throughout the day, the liquids you are losing need to be replaced to avoid dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include:

• A dry mouth 
• Dizziness or confusion 
• Feeling lightheaded or Headaches 

If any of these symptoms are left untreated, dehydration can lead to heat exhaustion.

Prepare now to protect yourself, over these next few hot days. Plan to stay connected, informed, and aware. 

• Sign up to receive BMORE ALERT emergency notifications from the Office of Emergency Management. Text BMOREALERT to 888777, and reply back with YES. 
• Plan to monitor local weather and news. 
• Have a backup way to charge your cell phone. 
• Understand the types of alerts you may receive and plan to respond when you receive them: 
  • A WATCH means Be Prepared ! 
  • A WARNING means Take Action !