The Camden County Office of Emergency Management has announced a Code Blue Advisory for the area due to expected dangerously low temperatures. The advisory will be in effect from Wednesday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. through Monday, December 15 at 7:00 p.m., with projected temperatures ranging between 17 and 33 degrees Fahrenheit.
A Code Blue Advisory is issued when forecasts predict temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or wind chills of zero degrees or below for at least two hours. This measure is intended to help protect vulnerable populations from severe weather conditions.
“As temperatures fall to dangerously low levels, it is critical that our residents have access to a safe place to stay warm,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Safety. “We urge everyone to check in on vulnerable neighbors, ensure heating systems are working properly, and bring pets indoors.”
During a Code Blue event, municipalities within Camden County are expected to activate their response plans to assist those most at risk, including homeless or transient individuals. The county’s Office of Emergency Management works with each municipality to ensure they have adequate resources for sheltering and support during these periods. Each town has designated specific locations where people can seek refuge from the cold.
Officials also provided several recommendations for staying safe during extreme cold:
– Dress in multiple thin layers rather than one heavy coat and use moisture-wicking materials.
– Place space heaters at least three feet away from anything flammable and unplug them when not in use; do not use stoves or ovens as heat sources.
– Keep pets indoors as much as possible and watch for signs of distress if they must be outside.
– Prepare vehicles by checking essential equipment and packing emergency kits with blankets, flashlights, first-aid supplies, and materials for tire traction.
Residents seeking shelter can contact their local municipality or visit www.camdencounty.com/service/health-human-services/warming-centers/ for a list of warming centers throughout Camden County. For after-hours assistance finding shelter, residents can call 2-1-1.
