A Code Blue declaration is made when winter weather conditions pose a threat of serious harm to individuals without shelter.
Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs announced today that the Burlington County Health Department, in concurrence with the Burlington County Office of Emergency Management, has declared a Code Blue Weather Emergency until 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, due to the extreme cold temperatures forecasted. County officials will assess weather conditions again on Thursday 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,” Gibbs said. “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,” Gibbs said. “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 at www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter.
