Code Blue declared until Jan. 2.
With a winter storm bringing snow, freezing temperatures, and wind chill factors into the 20s and below for extended overnight periods, the Burlington County Health Department today declared that a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency will be in effect for the entire New Year’s weekend.
The Code Blue will commence at 5 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012, and remain in effect to Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 10 a.m.
The forecast calls for snow to begin early Saturday and continue for most of the day. Temperatures are expected to range between the low 20s and mid 30s through to Jan. 2. Winds chills are forecast to reach below 20 degrees each night during the period.
A Code Blue declaration is made in Burlington County when winter conditions pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter. When a Code Blue is enacted it provides for short-term emergency sheltering.
Individuals can call contact of Burlington County at (856) 234–8888 or (866)-234–5006 for a list of available shelters and additional Code Blue information.
For general cold weather precautions, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter.
