Due to the dangerously frigid temperatures expected in Camden County over the next two days, Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, advises municipalities that Camden County will be under a Code Blue Emergency through tomorrow evening.
The Camden County Health Officer issued the Code Blue Emergency effective from 6 p.m. Jan. 4 to 7 a.m. on Jan. 5 and again from 6 p.m. on Jan. 5 to 7 a.m. on Jan. 6.
“An arctic front is brining bitterly cold temperatures to our area, especially compared to what we have been experiencing so for this winter. Wind chills are expected to drop below zero overnight, so everyone should be sheltered and out of the elements during this severe weather,” Rodriguez said. “If you must leave the house, please dress yourself and your children in warm clothing, hats and gloves. Also, please remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors, and bring your pets indoors.”
Tonight will be clear, breezy and very cold. Overnight temperatures will dip to around 10 degrees with wind chills making it feel negative 8 degrees. Winds will be out of the north with gusts up to 25 miles per hour expected. Tomorrow night’s temperatures will remain in the teens.
When the Camden County Health Officer declares a Severe Weather Emergency, municipalities with homeless populations, situational homeless or transient populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plan to accommodate their immediate needs.
“During these weather emergencies, we encourage everyone to check on elderly or handicapped relatives and neighbors that live alone,” Rodriguez said. “It is important that most vulnerable among us are not left without heat or electricity.”
The Camden County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management have worked with each municipality to ensure they have the proper resources to respond to these severe weather situations as part of their individual Code Blue plans. Each municipality has identified its own location to accommodate those in their community seeking shelter from the severe weather.
Persons seeking shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality. Additional resources are available by calling the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 999–9045, or by visiting www.camdencounty.com.
The Office of Emergency Management is also monitoring conditions.
“As this weather pattern continues, please, if possible, stay indoors today to keep warm and stay out of the elements,” said Freeholder Jonathan Young. “If you must go out, please take precautions to keep you and your family safe from the extreme temperatures.”
