PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Code Blue in Philadelphia has been extended — and enhanced — amid another night of dangerously bitter cold in the region.
Cold winds ushered in bone-chilling temperatures Monday night into Tuesday morning. Wind gusts ranged from 25 to 35 mph, with chills as low as -15 degrees. Tuesday's low is 14 degrees.
Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing on Wednesday, with a high of 38 degrees, though wind gusts are forecast to range from 24 to 27 mph.
Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services has elevated its Code Blue to an Enhanced Code Blue, after a third straight night of the declaration.
If you have to go outside, be sure to layer up and limit your exposure time. If you see anyone without shelter, the city has activated additional resources, including warming centers. Four are open overnight — in North Philly, Kensington, Rhawnhurst and Point Breeze.
Executive Director of the city’s Office of Homeless Services Cheryl Hill says outreach teams operate with increased urgency and personnel.
“Street outreach is life-saving,” said Hill. “During an enhanced Code Blue, we have additional support from the fire department, from the police department, from anyone who’s willing to help to make sure individuals come in.”
There are also four after-hours homeless intake centers. Families can go to the facility in North Philly at 715 North Broad Street or in East Germantown at 1300 East Tulpehocken Street.
Single men can go to an after-hours center in North Philly at 1701 West Lehigh Avenue, and single women to one in West Philly at 111 North 49th Street. According to city officials, you can go to the facility that most closely matches your gender identity.
Jeremy Montgomery, president and CEO of Philly House, the city’s largest homeless shelter, warned of what can happen when people are too exposed to the cold.
“Frostbite and loss of extremities. We certainly have experienced seeing those walk through our doors that are trying to brave the elements and aren’t so successful,” he said.
During an enhanced Code Blue, city officials said, there are about 450 more beds around the city, in addition to the approximately 3,000 year-round beds. When a facility is at capacity, Hill said people who walk in will be brought somewhere else for shelter.
“They’re not turned away, they’re still welcomed in, and then we will have a team that will get them transported.”
If you see someone who needs assistance, call 215-232-1984 to dispatch care workers.
But people aren’t the only ones at risk during these extreme weather conditions. If you have a pet, only let them out for a few minutes.
“If you let your dogs out to go for a potty break, don’t just let them sit out in the yard for hours. You should be supervising them. Dogs should be inside for the rest of the time, with it being so cold outside,” said Sarah Barnett, executive director of ACCT Philly.
For more information on special measures the city is implementing, click here.