A Code Blue declaration provides for short-term emergency shelters to those in need.
Burlington County has announced that the Burlington County Health Department, in concurrence with the Burlington County Office of Emergency Management, has extended the county’s current Code Blue Weather Emergency until 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 1, due to the extreme cold temperatures forecasted.
County officials will assess weather conditions again on Friday 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. 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 2–1–1. Callers will be prompted to press 2–1 for homeless individuals, then asked for the first three letters of their county or county code. For Burlington County, press 2–8–7.
During a Code Blue declaration, residents are encouraged to stay indoors in heated areas. 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/.