Baltimore Officials Urge Early Winter Weather Preparedness Amidst Cold-Related Fatalities
Baltimore city officials are advising residents to take early precautions for winter weather, emphasizing the dangers of cold exposure. Mayor Brandon Scott highlighted the importance of preparedness, urging citizens to assemble emergency kits containing essentials like blankets, non-perishable food, water, flashlights, shovels, and jumper cables. The city will continue to utilize its Code Blue and Code Purple warnings to manage cold weather emergencies. Code Purple is activated when temperatures drop below freezing, leading to the opening of emergency shelters and warming centers for the unsheltered population. Code Blue is invoked when the wind chill falls below thirteen degrees, at which point the city will also provide meals and home energy support. Last year, Baltimore recorded 18 cold-related deaths. Officials also warned about the risks associated with improper use of heating sources such as stoves, generators, and gas furnaces, which can lead to fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. The Maryland Depar...
