Camden County will be under a Code Blue Advisory tonight.
The Health Officer issued the Code Blue advisory for Camden County effective from 6 p.m. on Feb. 26 until 7 a.m. on Feb. 27.
“Tonight will be cold and breezy with lows around 20 degrees, so everyone should be sheltered and out of the elements,” Freeholder Carmen 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.”
After harsh weather tonight, high pressure building in from the south will result in nicer weather for the rest of the weekend. The chilly temperatures will be replaced by milder conditions on Sunday which will last into next week. A weak front will pass through on Monday delivering scattered showers. The next substantial threat of precipitation will not be until mid-week.
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 the most vulnerable among us are not left without heat or electricity.”
With more than 75 percent of households in Camden County owning a cat or a dog Rodriguez wants to ensure that all pets are safe during these extreme temperatures as well.
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.