Utah needs a "Code Red" policy to protect the homeless from extreme heat, according to recent research and health experts, as rising temperatures create a gap in state emergency protections. While Utah currently utilizes a "Code Blue" alert system to provide shelter flexibility during extreme cold, officials and academics argue that the physiological dangers of extreme heat require a similar statewide response to protect the unsheltered population.
The Challenges of Extreme Heat
The call for heat-specific protections comes as urban development and climate change contribute to more intense urban heat island effects, making summer heat a primary concern for those living without permanent housing. Researchers have observed that for unsheltered individuals, escaping the heat is a constant daily struggle, often requiring them to rely on limited resources to manage heat stress.
In a study conducted during the summer of 2024, researchers used temperature loggers and GPS-enabled smartphones to track how unsheltered people navigate the urban landscape. The data revealed extreme temperature fluctuations; in one instance, a logger recorded a temperature of 134 degrees Fahrenheit in a paved parking lot, while the participant's temperature dropped to 67 degrees Fahrenheit minutes later after entering a fast-food restaurant.
Physiological Stress and Cooling Access
The physiological stress of extreme heat is often exacerbated by the lack of nighttime cooling. While humans have a capacity to adapt to heat, they can only do so if they are able to cool back down. For many in the Salt Lake Valley, this cooling is facilitated by climate-controlled homes, offices, or public spaces like libraries.
However, unsheltered individuals often face barriers to these spaces. While some private businesses may allow access, the ability to use these spaces often depends on a person's capacity to consume products. For example, researchers noted a participant who maintained an arrangement with a restaurant manager to sit for one hour in exchange for a $1.69 item, a strategy used during the hottest part of the day.
Existing Cold Weather Protections
Current Utah law provides a framework for managing extreme cold through "Code Blue" alerts. Approved under a state law that became effective in 2023, these alerts are issued by county when temperatures are expected to drop to 18 degrees Fahrenheit, including wind chill, for two hours or more during a 24-hour period.
When a Code Blue alert is active, several provisions take effect under Utah Code 35A-16-703. Homeless shelters are permitted to expand their capacity limits by up to 35% to provide temporary shelter, provided they comply with building and fire codes. Additionally, shelters are required to implement expedited intake procedures for those requesting access.
Emergency Shelter Provisions
The Code Blue framework also offers legal exemptions to facilitate emergency sheltering. During an alert and for seven days following its end, indoor facilities owned by private organizations, nonprofits, or government entities may be used for temporary shelter without meeting specific licensure requirements, as long as they meet building and fire safety standards.
Furthermore, the law prevents local governments from enforcing camping ordinances or seizing personal survival items—such as blankets, tents, or sleeping bags—while a Code Blue alert is in effect. This ensures that individuals can maintain the tools necessary for survival during extreme cold weather events.
Drivers of Homelessness
The need for heat-related policies is underscored by the growing prevalence of unsheltered homelessness in Salt Lake City, driven by the rising cost of housing. Comparative analysis suggests that the primary predictor of homelessness is the ratio of median income to median housing prices, rather than drug use or mental health.
As urban areas become denser, the heat island effect intensifies. Experts suggest that short-term solutions to mitigate these effects include increasing urban green space, creating more public cooling spaces, and providing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities to reduce medical emergencies caused by dehydration.
Legislative and Local Context
While the Salt Lake City Mayor's Office continues to manage various community initiatives—such as the recent revitalized Donner Trail Park and the appointment of the city's first Poet Laureate, Joel Long—the issue of climate-driven homelessness remains a critical policy gap.
Legislative efforts to address social services and homelessness have been seen in the Utah House of Representatives. For example, Representative Steven Eliason, a Republican representing District 43, sponsored UT HB0572, which addressed social services interventions including behavioral health and homelessness, and it was signed into law by the Governor on March 25, 2026. However, the specific protections for heat-related emergencies remain a subject of ongoing discussion among health and community leaders.
Looking Ahead
As the state prepares for upcoming elections, including the general election on November 3, 2026, the debate over how to protect vulnerable populations from extreme weather continues to evolve. The gap between the existing Code Blue protections for cold and the rising threat of extreme heat remains a focal point for community advocacy.
