Regional / Weather

Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency Declared in Montgomery County

- by Maryann Pugh
cold home© Albina Gavrilovic / Getty Images Pro / Canva

NORRISTOWN, PA — In response to forecasts from the National Weather Service, the Montgomery County Commissioners have declared a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency for Montgomery County. This announcement comes based on advice from the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety.

The Code Blue has been issued for the period beginning today, November 27, 2023, at 9 p.m. and ending on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 9 a.m. During this time, winter conditions are expected to be severe, with either the temperature or the wind chill predicted to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

A Code Blue is declared when winter conditions pose a significant risk of harm or death to individuals without shelter. Montgomery County residents requiring emergency shelter during the Code Blue can reach out to the Your Way Home Call Center by dialing 2-1-1 or texting their zip code to 898-211.

Code Blue Guidelines

During Code Blue conditions, residents are urged to:

  • Check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure their homes are adequately heated.
  • Call or text 9-1-1 if they see someone in need of immediate emergency assistance.
  • Contact Your Way Home at 2-1-1 or text 898-211 for help with temporary shelter from the cold weather or longer-term housing issues.

Personal Safety Tips

Residents are advised to:

  • Winterize their cars with antifreeze, a full tank of gas, properly inflated tires, and an emergency kit.
  • Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors regularly.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and avoid prolonged exposure when outdoors in winter weather.
  • Limit pets’ outdoor time during extreme temperatures.
  • Report power outages directly to the utility company and refrain from calling 9-1-1 unless it’s an emergency.
READ:  Chester County, Get Ready! Rainy Days, Winter Chills, and a Splash of Sunshine Ahead!

For more information about coping with cold weather, visit www.montgomerycountypa.gov/codeblue. Stay safe and warm during this Code Blue period.

For more information on your local weather conditions or guidance, be sure to check out MyChesCo Weather Center.

For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.