In the 2023 state legislative session HB 499 passed requiring counties to develop a winter overflow response plan when the Utah Department of Health issues a "Code Blue" order. This occurs when the temps drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more hours during a 24 hour period.
Davis County, in collaboration with our 15 cities and service providers, will be responsible for standing up a warming shelter for unhoused individuals during Code Blue events from October 15, 2024 through April 30, 2025. Davis County Sheriff's Office will provide the security for these warming shelters, and the Red Cross will provide shelter set up training, but we are looking for volunteers to help staff them when a Code Blue is issued. Davis County typically receives 24 to 48 hours notice prior to a Code Blue event from UDOH. In 2023/24 there were approximately 20 Code Blue events in Davis County over the six month period.
Code Blue events can be excellent practice for setting up emergency shelters following a disaster, so we strongly encourage all CERT & CCC volunteers to participate in staffing our Code Blue shelters this winter.
Please sign up to be invited to a Code Blue Shelter Training and added to our list of possible volunteers.
For questions contact 801-451-4108 or em@co.davis.ut.us