Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Baltimore Declares First Code Blue of the Season

Because anticipated drop in temperatures and expected snowfall are a potential danger to health, I declared the first Code Blue cold weather alert of the winter season for tonight. The City’s Code Blue is a multi-agency effort to reduce hypothermia deaths this winter by protecting homeless individuals, seniors and other vulnerable populations from extreme cold weather.

In response to the City’s expected freezing temperatures overnight as well as potential snow accumulation, tonight’s code blue declaration will trigger several responses aimed at providing for those must susceptible to extreme cold weather:

  • The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services operates a 24-hour Housing & Resource Center for men and women at 620 Fallsway.
  • Private homeless shelters will be encouraged to extend their hours and keep people indoors.
  • Homeless Services will provide 60 additional beds for residents seeking meals and sleeping quarters accessible thru the Housing & Resource Center at 620 Fallsway.
  • Additional cold weather education and outreach efforts, as needed.


Last winter, there were 8 days when the high temperature did not surpass 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The state Medical Examiner’s office recorded 11 hypothermia-related deaths in Baltimore.
Our city’s most at risk of hypothermia death include the elderly, individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, those who abuse alcohol, drug users and the homeless.

As always, it is important to minimize your risk of hypothermia by staying indoors in safely heated areas. If you must go outside, be sure to dress warmly and stay dry.  Also remember that drinking alcohol – even in small quantities – can increase your risk of cold-related injuries, so imbibe with caution. And of course, if you have elderly or chronically ill neighbors, check in on them to make sure they are staying warm. 

On this first Cold Blue night of the season, it’s also important to remind residents lacking heat of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from using generators in enclosed spaces, or burns caused by alternate heating sources. Energy assistance is available to residents in need at the Office of Home Energy, 410-396-5555.

If you or someone you know needs shelter tonight, please find the list of city and private shelters on our website.  For other cold-related inquiries and service requests, or to find a nearby homeless shelter, residents can call 311 (410-396-3100 after hours).

Bundle up, and take care, B’more.
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As always, it is important to minimize your risk of hypothermia by staying indoors in safely heated areas. If you must go outside, be sure to dress warmly and stay dry.  Also remember that drinking alcohol – even in small quantities – can increase your risk of cold-related injuries, so imbibe with caution. And of course, if you have elderly or chronically ill neighbors, check in on them to make sure they are staying warm. 

On this first Cold Blue night of the season, it’s also important to remind residents lacking heat of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from using generators in enclosed spaces, or burns caused by alternate heating sources. Energy assistance is available to residents in need at the Office of Home Energy, 410-396-5555.

If you or someone you know needs shelter tonight, please find the list of city and private shelters on our website.  For other cold-related inquiries and service requests, or to find a nearby homeless shelter, residents can call 311 (410-396-3100 after hours).

Bundle up, and take care, B’more. 

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