As South Australia continues to face severe winter conditions, a Code Blue emergency response has been extended across multiple regions to support people sleeping rough. With cold temperatures, rain and high winds expected to persist, a combination of Tier 1 and Tier 2 activations are now in place throughout the state to help protect those most at risk.
Updated Code Blue and Severe Weather Activations
On Wednesday 9 July, the following regions were under a Code Blue Tier 2 response:
- West Coast
- Lower Eyre
- Flinders
- Mid North
- Clare Valley
- Yorke Peninsula
- Fleurieu Peninsula
- Kangaroo Island
- Mount Lofty Ranges
- Upper South East
- Lower South East
The Adelaide Metropolitan and Murraylands regions were under Code Blue Tier 1, while North East Pastoral and North West Pastoral were issued a Severe Weather Tier 1 alert.
These activations aim to minimise harm to vulnerable people by providing extra shelter, hot meals, warm clothing, bedding and extended daytime services.
Changes from Thursday 10 July
Several areas will transition from Tier 2 to Tier 1 responses as conditions ease slightly:
- West Coast
- Lower Eyre
- Mid North
- Clare Valley
- Fleurieu Peninsula
- Mount Lofty Ranges
- Upper South East
- Lower South East
Adelaide Metro will remain under Tier 1 until the end of the day Thursday.
The following areas conclude their Code Blue activations at 11am Thursday 10 July:
- Yorke Peninsula
- Kangaroo Island
- Murraylands
- North East Pastoral
- North West Pastoral
Eastern Eyre and Riverland remain inactive at this stage.
What a Tier 2 Response Means
During a Tier 2 Code Blue, additional services are deployed to reduce the risk of harm for people without safe shelter. These include:
- Distribution of warm clothing, sleeping bags, blankets, hot drinks, and meals
- Extended opening hours at support centres
- Access to heated public spaces and indoor areas
- Support from extra staff and emergency contacts
These emergency measures are coordinated in partnership with service providers, with Homeless Connect SA continuing to serve as the central referral point.
Anyone in need, or wishing to refer someone, is urged to contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308. The service operates 24/7 and can assist with crisis accommodation and essential support.
Final Timings and Reporting
- Tier 1 activations ending on 10 July will conclude by 5pm
- Tier 2 activations transitioning to Tier 1 on 10 July will conclude at 11am
- Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and Murraylands activations conclude entirely at 11am 10 July
Be Part of the Response
South Australians are encouraged to check in on those doing it tough, and to alert support services if someone appears to be at risk.
- Calling Homeless Connect SA (1800 003 308) if someone needs help
- Donating warm clothing, blankets, or essentials to local shelters
- Sharing this information with your community
For ongoing updates, keep an eye on your local weather alerts and support agency notifications.
As winter weather continues, residents and businesses are encouraged to check in on people who may be vulnerable to the cold. The extended Code Blue alerts are a vital reminder of the importance of community care during extreme weather events.
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