Code Blue

What is a Code Blue event?

Code Blue events were approved under a Utah State law that became effective in 2023. A “Code Blue event” means a weather event in which the National Weather Service predicts temperatures of 18 degrees Fahrenheit or less, including wind chill, or any other extreme weather conditions established in rules made by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) under subsection 35A-16-702(4), to occur in any county of the first, second, third or fourth class for two hours or longer within the next 24 to 48 hours.

What does a Code Blue look like in San Juan County?

San Juan County is a County of the fourth class. When the National Weather Service predicts temperatures will reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, including a wind chill, for 2 hours or more over the next 24 hours - a Code Blue Alert will be issued for the county. This alert will be in effect for 24 hours from the start time of this alert.

Any individual and/or family who is experiencing unsheltered homelessness when a Code Blue event is issued from October 14, 2024 - April 30, 2025 may contact the San Juan County Office to be provided with a motel voucher for up to seven (7) days.

San Juan County Office - 117 S Main St, Monticello, Ut 84535
Phone number - (435) 587-3225
Business Hours - Monday - Friday (8am to 5pm)

Code Blue events in San Juan County are called out by DHHS on or around 8 am for the days that meet those requirements allowing the County to identify a location(s) to shield people who are experiencing homelessness from the cold and/or extreme weather conditions. Following the provisions as defined in Utah Code 35A-16-703:

Any indoor facility owned by a private organization, nonprofit organization, state government entity, or local government entity may be used to provide temporary shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness and is exempt from the licensure requirements of Title 26B, Chapter 2, Licensing and Certifications, for the duration of the code blue alert and seven days following the day on which the code blue alert ends, so long as the facility is in compliance with the applicable building code and fire code and the governing body of the organization or the legislative body of the government entity that owns the facility approves the use;
Homeless shelters, state and local government entities, and other organizations that provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness shall coordinate street outreach efforts to distribute to individuals experiencing homelessness any available resources for survival in cold weather, including clothing items and blankets;
A state or local government entity, including a municipality, law enforcement agency, and local health department, may enforce a camping ordinance but may not seize from individuals experiencing homelessness any personal items for survival in cold weather, including clothing, blankets, tents, and sleeping bags; and
A municipality or other local government entity may not enforce any ordinance or policy that limits or restricts the ability for the provisions described in Subsections (1) through (5) to take effect, including local zoning ordinances.