With a winter storm moving into the area, bringing snow and forecasted wind chills in the teens and below, Cecil County Health Officer, Dr. Karyl Rattay has issued a Code Blue Extreme Weather Alert beginning the evening of Friday, January 23, 2026.

Precautions should be taken to avoid cold-related injury. The Code Blue Extreme Weather Alert means there is an elevated risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and death for people exposed to extreme cold temperatures. Members of the public are advised to limit outdoor activities and remain indoors during this period of extreme weather. Pet owners should also remember to bring pets inside. If you cannot bring your pet inside, make sure they have fresh, unfrozen water to drink and a shelter with adequate warmth. Do not leave your pets in a car in cold weather. If someone exhibits signs of hypothermia, call 911 right away.

Cecil County Health Department and community partner agencies have activated the Severe Weather Plan and expanded emergency shelter bed capacity for this event.  Outreach to individuals known to be staying in places not intended for human habitation and exposed to the elements has begun. Due to limited resources, people without access to shelter are encouraged to contact family or friends for temporary assistance if available.

People without any informal resources may contact the Coordinated Entry line for homelessness services at 410-996-3096 or walk in to the Mary Randall Center between the hours of 8:00 am-11:00 am, Monday-Friday.  Please be aware call volume is high during weather events and the responses occur in the order in which the requests were received.

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The mission of the Cecil County Health Department is to work together to promote, protect, and advance the health and wellness of the community.