The William A. Burnard Warming Center has opened in Logan to provide emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness during a Code Blue event. The facility, co-founded by Utah State University Associate Professor Jayme Walters, serves as a resource when temperatures are forecast to drop to 18 degrees or lower for at least two hours.
Community Support Initiatives
The establishment of the warming center follows a long-standing effort to address housing insecurity in the region. Dr. Jayme Walters, who serves as the Executive Director of the Transforming Communities Institute at Utah State University, co-founded the WAB Warming Center to support the Logan community.
Code Blue Regulations
Under Utah state law, a Code Blue alert is triggered when the National Weather Service predicts temperatures will reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, including wind chill, for two hours or more within a 24-hour period. These alerts allow municipalities and organizations the flexibility to identify new locations to shield people experiencing homelessness from extreme cold.
Emergency Shelter Provisions
When a Code Blue alert is active, state regulations provide specific provisions to assist vulnerable populations. Homeless shelters may expand their capacity limits by up to 35% to provide temporary shelter, provided they remain in compliance with building and fire codes. Additionally, any indoor facility owned by a private or government entity may be used for temporary shelter and is exempt from certain licensure requirements for the duration of the alert and seven days following its end.
Outreach and Protections
During Code Blue events, local government entities and law enforcement may enforce camping ordinances but are prohibited from seizing personal survival items such as clothing, blankets, tents, or sleeping bags from individuals experiencing homelessness. Shelters and government entities are also encouraged to coordinate street outreach to distribute survival resources like blankets and clothing.
Weather Forecast Outlook
Weather forecasts for Logan show a high of 68 degrees on Monday, Oct. 20, 2026, with temperatures expected to drop to a low of 43 degrees overnight. While the immediate forecast shows mild conditions, temperatures are projected to drop to a low of 34 degrees by Saturday night.
System Overview
The Code Blue system is designed to provide municipal flexibility during extreme weather events. The regulations apply to municipalities in counties of various classes, including those with populations ranging from 1,500 to over 50,000.
