Stay Inside: Baltimore on Code Blue During Cold Snap

BALTIMORE, MD — A code blue declaration will take effect for Baltimore from Wednesday night until noon Friday.

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen issued the declaration as the city braces for below-freezing temperatures and possible snow accumulation.

Temperatures will plunge below freezing after midnight, and a wind chill of 10 degrees is expected by 7 a.m. on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

“Code blue means that we encourage residents to stay indoors in heated areas,” Wen said in a statement.

The health commissioner may issue a code blue alert when conditions pose a threat to vulnerable citizens and/or temperatures including wind chill are forecast to be 13 degrees or lower, the statement said.

The goal of code blue is to prevent hypothermic deaths. Officials said there were three hypothermia-related deaths last winter in Baltimore.

When a code blue is issued, city agencies conduct outreach efforts such as distributing meals to at-risk senior citizens, providing home weatherization services and helping with emergency assistance applications.

Baltimore human services officials also work with shelters to extend hours and to increase bed capacity.

The code blue season lasts from Nov. 15 to March 15.

During the upcoming cold snap, the city's health commissioner encouraged citizens to check on each other.

"...watch out for those most vulnerable among us, especially children, older adults and those with chronic medical conditions," Wen advised. "Because the highest risk is during the early morning hours, be sure to check on your elderly neighbors to ensure that they have heat and power tonight.”

If a neighbor is without heat or power, call 311 or the Office of Home Energy Programs at 410-396-5555, as assistance may be available.

Cold Safety Tips from Baltimore City Health Department:

• Dress in layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Cover your head when outside with hat, etc.
• Drink water.
• Keep pets inside.
• Move space heaters or candles away from flammable materials (e.g., curtains, furniture, clothes).
• Check carbon monoxide detector to ensure it’s working.
• Do not use stoves or generators for heat—they may cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not leave vehicles running in closed space such as a garage.

Get more information about Baltimore City's Code Blue plan. For other cold-related inquiries or to find a nearby homeless shelter, call 311 or 211.

Photo by Elizabeth Janney.