Camden County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge – liaison to the county Department of Health and Human Services – announced a Code Blue Advisory for the region last week in anticipation of a weekend cold front.
With the expectation of more cold weather this season, there is a critical need for people to seek shelter indoors, according to Betteridge. She highlighted the need for elderly residents and individuals with disabilities to ensure their heating systems are functional and for the community to check in on them.
During a Code Blue Weather Advisory, municipalities with homeless populations or transient individuals are expected to activate their respective Code Blue response plans. Residents should also check on the elderly and disabled to ensure they are protected from the cold.
Animals should be brought in from the cold, as Betteridge acknowledged by issuing the following tips to ensure pet safety:
- Keep pets indoors when the temperature falls below 32 degrees. If they must stay outside, provide a warm shelter raised off the ground and shielded from the wind.
- Be vigilant for signs of distress in pets due to cold weather, such as shivering. If observed, it’s recommended to bring the pet inside as their body temperature drops rapidly in cold weather.
- Young, old, or pets with health issues are more susceptible to the cold.
- Protect pets from harmful chemicals like antifreeze and rock salt by cleaning their feet and providing clean, unfrozen water.
The Camden County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management have collaborated with municipalities to ensure readiness and adequate resources for severe weather situations. Each municipality has designated shelters to accommodate those seeking refuge from extreme weather.
Residents are also urged to use the new after-hours Code Blue emergency hotline – 211 – for help or questions. Those seeking shelter in warming centers are advised to contact their municipality for guidance. Additional information and resources are available through the Department of Health and Human Services hotline at (800) 999-9045 or by visiting the Camden county website.
