City Health Department Issues Code Blue For Monday Night

Winter is here with a fury. Baltimore City health officials issued the first Code Blue advisory of the season.

“While we enjoyed a warm start to winter, the weather has turned cold quickly to start 2016. I am issuing a Code Blue Declaration tonight in Baltimore and encourage residents to stay in indoors, especially those most vulnerable to cold,” Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said in a release. “Extreme cold temperatures can permanently injure, or even kill. Hypothermia, or low body temperature, can be just as dangerous as extreme heat, so it is important to stay indoors in heated areas. Be sure to check on your elderly neighbors to ensure that they have heat and power tonight.”

The warning is for tonight. Code Blue means homeless shelters will be encouraged to extend their hours, outreach workers will encourage people to take shelter and charities will provide hot drinks and other air to homeless individuals.

If you have specific concerns about a vulnerable neighbor, call 311. To report a cold-related emergency, call 911.

Temperatures should get up into the 40s Wednesday.