Code Blue Extended In Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD — The code blue declaration in Baltimore has been extended through the weekend. The city's top health official issues a code blue alert when temperatures are going to be dangerously low, posing risk to vulnerable populations.

Baltimore Health Commissioner Leana Wen said that the code blue will be effective through the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 2.

The high is 24 degrees in Baltimore on Thursday, and temperatures are not expected to stay in the 20s and low 30s for several days, according to the National Weather Service forecast.

Originally, Wen issued a code blue declaration on Christmas that was set to expire Thursday. She issued another code blue declaration Wednesday, extending the declaration through the start of the new year.

"I am extending my Code Blue Declaration through Tuesday morning because of the predicted dangerously cold temperatures and encouraging residents to stay indoors in heated areas," Wen said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. "Please help those around you who are the most vulnerable to the cold, including children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical illnesses.”

Hypothermia is a concern, according to Wen. The condition occurs when the body temperature falls more quickly than it can rise and dips below 95 degreees, according to the Mayo Clinic.

“Hypothermia, or low body temperature, can be just as dangerous as extreme heat, and every year, there are Baltimoreans who die due to hypothermia,” Wen said.

There were 11 hypothermia deaths in Baltimore City last winter, according to Wen.

One person has died from hypothermia this winter in Maryland.

Here is information about resources available, provided by the Baltimore City Health Department:

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

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 the Baltimore City Health Department.

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

Photo by Elizabeth Janney.