Inclement Weather Operations and Shelter Process

November–March Winter Operations

Winter Operations encompass the City’s season-long readiness posture during the November–March cold-weather period, with warming operations concentrated from December through March.

During this season, the City maintains enhanced engagement with partners to support shared situational awareness and confirm ongoing readiness. Partners use this time to identify early gaps, share operational updates, and coordinate resources. 

Code Blue Activation Levels

The City has expanded this framework into a set of four operational activation levels. These levels reflect increasing degrees of severity and help guide how City departments adjust readiness, outreach, warming operations, and resource coordination as conditions worsen. 

Level 1 – Steady State Activation (Standard Winter Operations)

• Conditions: December 1–March 1
• Resources Activated: 
  • Winter Weather Unified Command (WWUC): Inactive
  • Baseline Beds: 400
  • Surge Beds: 60 or more on standby
  • Transportation: Inactive
  • Warming Centers: Inactive

Level 2 – Limited Activation (Low Risk Code Blue)

• Conditions: 
  • Temperatures at or below 25°F; or Wind chill below 10°F
  • Conditions anticipated for 2 or more hours
• Resources Activated: 
  • WWUC: Partial activation
  • Baseline Beds: 400
  • Surge Beds: 150 activated 
  • Transportation: Inactive
  • Warming Centers: Select locations activated

Level 3 – Partial Activation (Moderate Risk Code Blue)

• Conditions: 
  • Temperatures at or below 25°F; or Wind chill below 10°F
  • Conditions anticipated for 2 or more hours
• Resources Activated: 
  • WWUC: Partial activation
  • Baseline Beds: 400
  • Surge Beds: up to 450 activated based on need
  • Rally Points: Locations activated across the City
  • Transportation: 
    • Rally points activated as needed to support demand
    • Timed transportation circuits activated
    • Warming buses deployed strategically
  • Warming Centers: Additional locations activated across the City

Level 4 – Full Activation (High Risk Code Blue)

• Conditions: 
  • Temperatures at or below 25°F; or Wind chill below 10°F
  • Conditions anticipated for 2 or more hours
• Resources Activated: 
  • WWUC: Full activation
  • Baseline Beds: 400
  • Surge Beds: 600 activated
  • Rally Points: All locations activated
  • Transportation: 
    • All rally points activated
    • Full transport fleet deployed
    • Warming buses at priority sites
  • Warming Centers: All locations activated

Warming Centers and Buses, Shelters and Rally Points

Information about available warming operations will be posted on the City’s website and shared through official City communication channels, including social media platforms.

Rally Points

Rally points are locations identified during a Code Blue activation where residents can connect with information and support during periods of extreme cold. Rally points are selected based on accessibility and proximity to areas where residents may already be located during cold-weather events.

Warming Centers and Warming Buses

Warming centers are short-term facilities activated during periods of extreme cold to provide temporary refuge and a safe, heated space for residents. These centers are typically open during daytime hours and are not designed to function as overnight shelters.

View daytime warming centers.

Warming buses remain stationary and offer a temporary place for individuals to stay warm while connecting with available cold-weather resources. Operating hours and available amenities vary by activation and are shared publicly when warming centers or warming buses are in use.

Shelters

Shelters provide overnight accommodations for residents who need a safe place to stay during periods of extreme cold. Shelter locations, admission hours, and available services vary by provider and are shared publicly during each Code Blue activation. Shelters generally operate during evening and overnight hours, typically opening around 6:00 PM and closing in the morning.

During periods of severe winter weather, shelters may remain open for extended hours or operate continuously when conditions make travel unsafe or when additional warming options are limited. 

Department Coordination

The Winter Weather Unified Command ensures a coordinated, timely and National Incident Management System-compliant response to all significant winter weather events that threaten public safety, critical infrastructure or continuity of City services. 

This unified command is coordinated by the following departments and any other City departments, divisions or agencies deemed necessary.

• City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA): Coordinates overall winter weather readiness and supports Code Blue decision-making.
• Department of Human Services (DHS): Works with shelter and warming center operators to share updates on availability and hours, collaborates with outreach partners to help connect residents with appropriate cold-weather resources.
• Department of Health (DOH): Provides public health guidance related to cold-weather risks and monitors health impacts associated with severe winter conditions.
• Fire Department: Supports outreach to vulnerable residents and provides emergency medical response and transport during extreme cold.
• Streets Department: Conducts snow and ice management to maintain safe access to key facilities such as shelters, warming centers, and rally points.
• Office of the Mayor: Shares public information and guidance during Code Blue activations and supports coordination among City departments and partners.
• Continuum of Care Organizations: Coordinates with shelter providers, outreach teams, and community partners to support shelter availability and real-time information sharing.
• Shelter & Warming Center Operators: Manage day-to-day operations at their respective sites, including hours, capacity, and available services.
• Outreach Teams: Engage individuals who may be at increased risk during extreme cold, share information about available warming options, and help connect residents to shelter resources.
• United Way 211: Shares publicly available information on warming centers, shelters, and Code Blue resources. 211 responds to resident inquiries and helps connect callers with updated information.

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