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After
a relatively warm December, the past several days have reminded us that
Baltimore is an East Coast city with four seasons, and winter has arrived. The
frigid temperatures we’ve been experiencing are a testament to what may lie
ahead in the coming weeks and months.
Winter
can be a beautiful and fun time of year, but it can also be dangerous. The
Farmer’s Almanac is predicting cold spurts throughout the month of January and
into February. Each of us must protect ourselves, our children, and our
potentially vulnerable neighbors from the elements.
Beyond
the flu and other illnesses, frostbite and hypothermia are common during this
time of year, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning. I have provided some links
below that give more information on how to protect yourselves, and I encourage
you to click through on the areas of interest.
Our winter
preparedness team, which includes agencies across all areas of city government,
is ready to help and will be responsive
to the needs of those who are vulnerable to cold weather like home-bound
seniors and those who are disabled, as well as the homeless.
In December, I announced new measures to support the homeless who are exceptionally vulnerable when temperatures drop. Through the Homes for the Holidays Campaign, we'll continue to expand access to shelter solutions such as permanent new supportive housing, additional vouchers for the Housing First Program, and increased staffing hours dedicated to connect long-term homeless individuals to housing and counselling services throughout the winter season.
On Monday,
The Baltimore City Department of Health made its first Code Blue
Declaration of the winter season, which indicates
an increased risk for cold injuries. The declaration activates a coordinated, multi-agency response effort to provide relief
from extreme cold weather.
If
you need immediate medical, fire, or police assistance, call 9-1-1.
Call
3-1-1 for general needs such as assistance with snow removal, flooding, or
other non-life threatening concerns.
We are constantly examining our operations in order to
improve the level of service we deliver to the citizens of Baltimore. Below are
links to services and recommendations tied to winter weather needs and concerns:
Throughout the winter, I
urge everyone to stay safe and warm, and please be sure to look out for your
neighbors.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Mayor
City of Baltimore
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