Cold Weather Is Here, Code Blue In Effect
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Bundle up, Baltimore! Cold temperatures have arrived, but it could get worse.
Tim Williams reports it'll be colder Sunday.
Baltimore City officials have also declared a Code Blue through Monday, Feb. 16 due to low temperatures in the teens and wind chills below zero.
The first of two cold fronts caused some rain and snow showers around the region. The second cold front, which is the true arctic boundary, got here late Thursday afternoon.
The lowest temp so far this winter at BWI Marshall Airport is 6 degrees, reached back on Jan. 8. We have an excellent chance of beating that Sunday night, with wind chills as low as -5 degrees. A high wind watch will go into effect Saturday night through Sunday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
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"Our advice on keeping warm in cold weather may seem like common sense, but with six hypothermia-related deaths this season, it is vitally important to remember that cold can kill,"said Dr. Leana Wen, Baltimore City Health Commissioner. "All Baltimoreans need to look out for friends and family members and ensure they have warm shelter. Remember that carbon monoxide is a silent killer – do not use unapproved sources of heating."
Officials add that alcohol use has been a contributing factor in at least three of the city's cold-weather deaths this year.
"Alcohol blunts a person's natural response to hypothermia, preventing their mind from recognizing they are too cold and one's body from naturally shivering to keep warm," said Dr. Wen said.
This is the sixth Code Blue for Baltimore this winter.
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.
