Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, advises municipalities that Camden County will be under Code Blue severe weather advisory tonight and tomorrow night.
The Health Officer issued the Code Blue advisory for Camden County effective from 6 p.m. on Jan. 26 through 7 a.m. on Jan. 27, and from 6 p.m. Jan. 27 through 7 a.m. Jan 28.
“We are experiencing a major winter storm bringing wind gusts up to 40 miles per hour and overnight temperatures in the low 20’s. We need everyone to be sheltered and out of the elements during this severe weather,” Rodriguez said. “Before leaving 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.”
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.
Snow flurries will become steadier through the day as a coastal storm ramps up this evening. Overnight, the snow intensifies to a rate of an inch per hour. The current forecast is estimating totals of six to 10 inches across the county. Strong winds will result in lowered visibility and drifting snow. The weather system is expected to continue to impact our area through the day tomorrow before it winds down Tuesday night.
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.
“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 most vulnerable among us are not left without heat or electricity.”
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.
