NORRISTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — Freezing temperatures and wind chills in the 20s have led officials in Philadelphia and several surrounding suburbs to declare a Code Blue.
Generally, a Code Blue is issued when winter conditions pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter. It triggers shelters to open up beds, outreach efforts and daytime warming services to make sure homeless people are able to seek refuge from the cold.
Officials are also advising residents to check on loved ones, especially the elderly, to make sure they have shelter and heat. Pet owners should keep their animals indoors.
Being the first chill of the season, officials also advise people to make sure their cars are winterized and stocked with an emergency kit.
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services issued a Code Blue at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 27. An end date has not yet been determined.
Anyone who is concerned about someone who appears to be experiencing homelessness and is outside during this Code Blue should contact the city’s homeless outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.
For those seeking shelter, daytime intake centers are open at:
— Appletree Family Center, 1430 Cherry St.
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— Roosevelt Darby Center, 804 N. Broad St.
Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— The Veterans Multi-Service Center, 213-217 N. Fourth St.
Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
After-hours centers can be found at:
— Red Shield Family Residence, 715 N. Broad St.
5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
— Mike Hinson Resource Center, 1701 W. Lehigh Ave.
3 p.m. to 7 a.m.
— Gaudenzia’s House of Passage, 111 N. 49th St.
5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Montgomery County
A Code Blue is in effect in Montgomery County now through 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30.
People in Montgomery County who need emergency shelter during a Code Blue can call the Your Way Home Call Center at 211 or text their ZIP code to 898-211. Officials say if you see someone in need of immediate emergency assistance, call or text 911.
Camden County
Camden County, New Jersey’s Code Blue is in effect through the morning of Thursday, Nov. 30.
The following sites in Camden are open overnight for people in need:
— Proctor Properties, 608-B Broadway
7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
*Site is used as a daytime warming center as needed
— Joseph’s House of Camden, 555 Atlantic Ave.
7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
*Site is used as a daytime warming center until 1 p.m. as needed
— New Life Ministries, 1721 Haddon Ave.
7 p.m. to 7 a.m.
— Cramer Hill Community Center, 1035 Reeves Ave.
*Site is used as an overflow daytime warming center as needed
The following sites are open as daytime warming centers:
— Proctor Properties, 608-B Broadway
— Nilsa Cruz-Perez Downtown Branch Library, 301 N. Fifth St.
Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— Riletta L. Cream Ferry Avenue Branch Library, 852 Ferry Ave.
Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
— Cramer Hill Community Center, 1035 Reeves Ave.
People seeking shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality or find additional resources by calling the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at 800-999-9045. The county’s new after-hours emergency hotline is 211.