Baltimore Under Winter Weather Advisory, Code Blue In Effect

BALTIMORE, MD — The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for several areas, including Baltimore City. The advisory is in effect from 2 to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27.

During the advisory period, weather officials advise light snow is likely, with accumulation up to 1 inch.

There may be extensive delays and multiple crashes during the Wednesday morning commute, officials said.

The winter weather advisory includes Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard and Montgomery counties as well as Baltimore City, parts of northern Virginia and northern suburbs of D.C.

People should use caution and be prepared for limited visibility and slippery roads, which may be icy due to recently cold conditions.

The weather is so cold that Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen, M.D., has issued a code blue declaration. The code blue is in effect until Thursday, Dec. 28.

Code Blue Declaration In Effect For Baltimore

This is the second code blue alert in Baltimore this season. The initiative is designed to reduce hypothermia deaths by ramping up resources and raising awareness during cold snaps.

The high is 28 degrees in Baltimore on Wednesday, with a low of 15 degrees, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

“With dangerously cold temperatures expected in Baltimore, I am issuing a Code Blue Declaration...and encouraging residents to stay indoors, especially those most vulnerable to cold,” Wen said in a statement earlier this week. "Extreme cold temperatures can permanently injure, or even kill."

There were 11 hypothermia deaths in Baltimore City last winter, according to Wen. State health officials say the winter season is considered November to Marh.

One person has died so far from hypothermia this winter.

• First Cold-Weather Death Recorded In Maryland For 2017

The Baltimore City Health Department provided the following information about resources available:

Code Blue indicates an increased risk for cold injuries or even death for those exposed to low temperatures. Once a Code Blue declaration is made, public messaging activities are undertaken to encourage safety when outdoors and response partners work to ensure those in need find sheltering. During the Code Blue season, which began November 15, 2017 and lasts until March 15, 2018, City agencies work together to:

• Distribute meals to at-risk senior citizens;
• Provide home weatherization services;
• Help individuals apply for emergency assistance; and
• Provide additional cold weather education and outreach efforts

Throughout the Code Blue season, The Mayor’s Office of Human Services’ Office of Homeless Services also works with city homeless shelter providers to extend shelter hours and to provide expanded bed capacity.

Cold Weather Tips for Staying Healthy:

• Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Protect yourself against falls in icy or snowy conditions.
• Check on those who are the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly and/or chronically ill. For babies, follow the ABCDs of infant safe sleep.
• Provide appropriate shelter for domestic animals.

Other Tips for Keeping Safe in Cold Weather:

• Keep space heaters and candles away from flammable materials, such as curtains, furniture and loose clothing.
• Check your carbon monoxide detector and make sure it’s working.
• Do not use prohibited heat or power sources, such as stoves or generators. They may cause fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Do not leave your car running in a closed space such as a garage.

Residents are encouraged to contact 311 if a neighbor is without heat or power so that city agencies can assist them. Energy assistance may be available to those who need it. For more information, individuals may contact one of the regional Community Action Partnership centers in Baltimore or call the Office of Home Energy Programs at 410-396-5555.

For more information about Code Blue, visit http://health.baltimorecity.gov/.

For other cold-related inquiries and service requests, or to find a nearby homeless shelter, residents can call 311 or 211.

File photo by Elizabeth Janney.