Code Blue temperature alert declared in city

Baltimore’s interim health commissioner declared a Code Blue cold weather advisory for Thanksgiving — a day when many of the city’s designated warming centers were closed for the holiday. The alert, the first of the season, was to last through this morning. Thursday’s high was 33 degrees, but with winds of up to 21 mph. After dark, the temperature was expected to fall to as low as 17 degrees. “With dangerously cold temperatures expected in Baltimore, I am issuing a Code Blue Declaration beginning Thursday through Friday morning and I encourage residents to stay indoors, especially those most vulnerable to cold,” the commissioner, Mary Beth Haller, wrote in a statement. A network of Community Action Partnership Centers, Enoch Pratt Free Libraries and Senior Centers typically serve as warming centers during these frigid days. But on Thursday, these centers were closed for the federal holiday. Mona Rock, a spokeswoman for the health department, said the city is encouraging residents to call 311 if they need assistance. Operators will provide homeless shelter locations, safety tips and information about cold-related illnesses. People can also call 311 to report concerns about people especially vulnerable to the cold, including the elderly, people with a substance abuse disorder, those with heart conditions and people who are homeless. boys and girls. Pugh said she flew to Los Angeles Sunday and back to Baltimore on Monday for the show’s taping. “It was exciting,” she said.