Regional Winter Activation
Resources and Tools Code Blue Winter Activation
Winter Response Activation Protocols
When dangerously cold temperatures threaten the health and safety of community members, coordinated action helps ensure that services, facilities, and resources are activated when they are needed most.
This guide outlines how cities, counties, and regional partners coordinate a winter response, make activation decisions, communicate changing conditions, and align resources across jurisdictions. Use it to understand partner responsibilities, follow established activation procedures, and prepare for an effective, coordinated response to extreme cold.
Who’s this for
This resource is designed for:
- City and county leadership responsible for authorizing or supporting a winter response.
- Emergency management and public safety personnel.
- Homelessness response systems, outreach teams, and human services providers.
- Warming center operators and shelter partners.
- Regional coalitions, public health agencies, and community organizations involved in cold-weather response.
How to use these guides
Use these guide to prepare for winter weather before temperatures drop and to reference established procedures during an active response.
- Before winter: Confirm activation criteria, identify decision-makers, and update partner contact lists.
- When extreme cold is forecast: Review conditions, coordinate with designated partners, and prepare resources for possible activation.
- During an active response: Follow approved communication procedures, track operational changes, and coordinate service availability.
- After deactivation: Complete notifications, document activities, and participate in any required after-action review.
Code Blue – City of ST. Louis, MO
The St. Louis City Code Blue Planning Guide provides a framework for preparing for and responding to extreme cold weather conditions, with a focus on protecting individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable residents. The guide outlines coordination among city departments, emergency shelters, warming centers, outreach teams, and community partners to help ensure access to safe shelter, transportation, warming resources, and essential support services during severe winter weather. It also supports a coordinated, timely, and scalable response as weather conditions worsen.
Code Blue – Franklin County, MO
The Franklin County, Missouri Code Blue Planning Guide is intended to support a coordinated community response to extreme cold weather and help protect residents who may be at increased risk during winter emergencies. The guide can serve as a framework for collaboration among county agencies, emergency management personnel, social service organizations, shelters, and community partners to identify available resources, coordinate outreach, communicate weather-related risks, and connect individuals experiencing homelessness or lacking adequate heat with safe warming options and emergency assistance. Its goal is to strengthen local preparedness, improve coordination, and promote the health and safety of vulnerable residents during periods of dangerously cold weather.