As Likely Snowstorm Nears, Baltimore Health Officials Declare Code Blue

The first major snowstorm of the winter could be coming to Maryland this weekend.

WBAL-TV 11 Insta-Weather PLUS Meteorologist Ava Marie said temperatures will not get out of the 20s on Tuesday. The more serious weather could come by the weekend.

Marie said computer models continue to agree on a major nor’easter tracking up the East Coast Friday night through Saturday.

Four days out, the timing and track are still uncertain, which means model forecasted snow amounts are still unreliable. However, confidence is growing for heavy snow, possibly double-digit accumulations, somewhere in Maryland, Marie said.

Marie said right now, models place Baltimore on the eastern edge of the bullseye. Areas that mix with rain and sleet could get significantly less snow. Other dangers with this storm include strong winds and coastal flooding.

A Code Blue declaration has been extended for Baltimore City through Wednesday morning as dangerously cold temperatures are predicted through the day, officials said. The Code Blue has been in effect since Monday.

“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,” Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Leana Wen said in a statement. “Now is the time when neighbors should be checking on each other. We are especially concerned about our most vulnerable residents, including the elderly, children, and people with chronic medical conditions.”

The health commissioner may declare a Code Blue alert when temperatures, including wind chill, are expected to be 13 degrees or below, or when other conditions are severe enough to present a substantial threat to the life or health of vulnerable Baltimore citizens.

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 Nov. 16 and lasts until March 15, city agencies work together to do the following:

- Distribute meals to at-risk senior citizens.
- Provide home weatherization services.
- Help individuals apply for emergency assistance.
- Provide additional cold weather education and outreach efforts, as needed 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. Last winter, the state Medical Examiner's Office recorded 12 hypothermia-related deaths in Baltimore City.

Cold weather tips for staying healthy:

- Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing.
- Always wear a head covering, like a hat and/or scarf, when outdoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcoholic beverages.
- Protect yourself against falls in icy or snowy conditions.
- Check on those who are children, the elderly and/or chronically ill.
- Provide appropriate shelter for domestic animals.

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 call 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 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.

Source WBAL