Residents are encouraged to stay indoors until 10 a.m. Friday
Freeholder Deputy Director Kate Gibbs announced today that the County Health Department, in concurrence with the County Office of Emergency Management, has declared a Code Blue Weather Emergency to be in effect from 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 14 through 10 a.m. on Friday, December 15, due to the extreme cold temperatures forecasted. Once lifted, county officials will further assess upcoming weather conditions to determine if additional precautions are needed.
“A Code Blue declaration is made in Burlington County when winter weather conditions pose a threat of serious harm to individuals without shelter,” explained Deputy Director Gibbs, liaison to the County Health Department. “When a Code Blue is enacted it provides for short-term emergency shelters to those in need.”
Individuals in need of shelter, or for more information about Code Blue, can call CONTACT of Burlington County at 856–234–8888 or 866–234–5006.
“During a Code Blue declaration, we encourage residents to stay indoors in heated areas,” added Deputy Director Gibbs. “This is a time when we need to look out for the most vulnerable among us, especially children and older adults. Caution should also be taken with pets during extremely cold temperatures.”
For general cold weather precautions, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/
