BALTIMORE, MD. (Friday, December 23, 2022) - Baltimore City is currently under its first Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert of the season. With temperatures dropping into the single digits overnight and windchills falling below 0˚F throughout the weekend, the City has activated emergency services to protect residents. 

Code Blue Extreme Cold indicates an increased risk for cold injuries or even death for those exposed to low temperatures. Once a Code Blue Extreme Cold declaration is made, public messaging activities are undertaken to encourage safety when outdoors and response partners work to ensure those in need find shelter. During the Code Blue Extreme Cold season, which began November 15, 2022 and lasts until March 15, 2023, City agencies work together to:

• Distribute meals to at-risk senior citizens

• Provide home weatherization services
• Help individuals apply for energy assistance
• Provide additional cold weather education and outreach efforts

Throughout the Code Blue Extreme Cold season, the Mayor's Office of Homeless Services also works with city homeless shelter providers to extend shelter hours and to provide expanded bed capacity as part of their Winter Shelter Plan.

Winter Shelter can be accessed by calling the Coordinated Entry line at 443-984-9540 between 8:30 am to 9:00 pm, on days that Winter Shelter is active. Community partners and shelter seekers can contact the Winter Shelter locations directly between the hours of 9:00 pm-12 midnight on Winter Shelter days: Lockerman Bundy at 410-396-9468 or 410-396-9469, and MCVET at 410-576-9626 ext. 215.

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

High winds have also led to downed power lines and trees. Residents experiencing a power outage should contact BGE at 877-778-2222. Downed trees can be reported by calling 3-1-1.

Residents are encouraged to remain indoors and check on vulnerable neighbors.

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 inside your home, 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.