Code Blue: Baltimore Health Commissioner Warns Of Extreme Cold

BALTIMORE, MD —With temperatures taking a dive this weekend, Baltimore's health commissioner issued a code blue alert. The advisory is aimed at reducing hypothermia deaths by ramping up resources and raising awareness during cold snaps.

So far this extreme cold season — which runs from Nov. 15 to March 15 —the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has reported six cold-weather-related deaths in Baltimore City.

The code blue runs from Friday night through Saturday morning and is triggered by wind chills below 13 degrees or conditions that could substantially threaten vulnerable Baltimore citizens.

"I encourage residents to stay indoors," Baltimore Health Commissioner Letitia Dzirasa said in a statement. "Please be sure to check on neighbors who may be at risk to ensure they have heat and power, and take care to shelter pets."

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Here is the Baltimore forecast, according to the National Weather Service:

Friday night: Low around 22 degrees. Northwest wind 8 to 13 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 36 and low around 28. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon. It is expected to be coldest around 6 a.m., when temps will be 16 degrees with wind chill.

Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 49 and low around 33. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.

Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 49 and low of 39.

Residents should call 311 if a neighbor is without heat or power or contact the Community Action Partnership (CAP) Center.

• Northern CAP Center (5225 York Road, 21212): 410-396-6084
• Northwest CAP Center (3939 Reisterstown Road, 21215): 443-984-1384
• Southern CAP Center (606 Cherry Hill Road, 21225): 410-545-0900
• Southeast CAP Center (3411 Bank Street, 21224): 410-545-6518
• Eastern CAP Center (1731 E. Chase Street, 21213): 410-545-0136

For more information about Baltimore City’s Code Blue Extreme Cold Plan, visit the Health Department’s website.

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