The Camden County Department of Health and Human Services advises municipalities that Camden County will be under a Code Blue Alert beginning at 7 p.m. tonight, Dec. 2, and ending at 7 a.m. tomorrow, Dec. 3.
“Temperatures are forecasted to fall somewhere in the high 20s to low 30s, accompanied by a mix of rain and snow that will continue to fall overnight,” Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez said.
“Low temperatures combined with wet and slushy areas may lead to icy patches in some areas, and moderate wind gusts will add to the frigid conditions. During a Code Blue, it’s important for everyone to be sheltered and out the elements, and for pets to remain indoors when possible.”
When the Camden County Health Officer declares a Code Blue, municipalities with homeless populations, situational homeless or transient populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plan to accommodate their immediate needs.
“During these dangerous weather conditions, we encourage everyone to check on elderly or handicapped relatives and neighbors that live alone,” Rodriguez said. “It is important that the most vulnerable among us are not left without heat or electricity.”
With more than 75 percent of households in Camden County owning a cat or a dog, Rodriguez wants to ensure that all pets are safe during these extreme temperatures as well.
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.
Persons seeking shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality.
New after-hours Code Blue Emergency Hotline phone number: 1-800-331-7272.
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.
