Official Public Notice: Code Blue Cold Alert and Citywide Service Updates

Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert Extended

The Baltimore City Health Department has officially extended the Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through the morning of Monday, February 9, 2026. With an arctic cold front moving through the region, wind chills are forecast to drop between -10°F and -15°F on Saturday, February 7. This alert triggers the opening of all city-funded emergency shelters and expanded outreach efforts for vulnerable populations, including older adults and those experiencing homelessness. Residents are urged to remain indoors whenever possible. If you or someone you know requires emergency shelter, please call 311 or visit one of the designated warming centers located throughout the city.

Health officials also remind residents of the high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning during extreme cold. Ensure that all heating systems are properly vented and never use gas ovens or charcoal grills to heat your home. For families with infants, the Health Department recommends dressing babies in the same number of layers as adults and ensuring they sleep in a smoke-free environment without loose blankets or head coverings, which can lead to overheating.

DPW Alley Clearing and Trash Collection Update

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is currently conducting a citywide alley clearing operation to restore access following the significant snow and ice storm earlier this month. For the week ending Saturday, February 7, heavy equipment crews are focused on clearing secondary routes and narrow alleyways that remain obstructed. Because of these operations and the persistent icy conditions on neighborhood streets, routine trash and recycling collections continue to experience shifts and delays. Residents should leave their bins at the curb if their scheduled pickup is missed, as crews are working to complete routes as conditions allow.

• Street Sweeping: Mechanical street sweeping remains suspended citywide until further notice to prioritize snow and ice removal.
• Christmas Tree Collection: The seasonal curbside collection for real Christmas trees officially concluded on Friday, February 6. Residents who still have trees must now transport them to one of the city’s residential drop-off centers.

Main Street Maryland Mentorship Program Launch

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has announced the launch of the Main Street Maryland Mentorship Program as of February 7, 2026. This initiative pairs aspiring community managers with experienced mentors to foster economic revitalization and small business growth in urban centers, including Baltimore. Local business owners and community leaders are encouraged to engage with the Baltimore City representative, Amanda Smit-Peters, to learn more about upcoming development resources for neighborhood commercial districts.

Utility and Power Outage Preparedness

Due to forecasted high winds with gusts of up to 60 mph this weekend, BGE has increased its field staffing to address potential power outages caused by downed trees and limbs. Residents are advised to secure loose outdoor items and report any downed wires immediately. Outages can be reported via the BGE mobile app or by calling the 24/7 service line.