Code Blue for Camden County Wednesday and Thursday Night

Camden County is under a “Code Blue” severe weather advisory for the next two nights

The Health Officer issued the Code Blue advisory for Camden County effective from 6 p.m. Jan. 7 through 7 a.m. Jan. 8, and from 6 p.m. Jan. 8 through 7 a.m. Jan 9.

“Now that some of the coldest air of the season is upon us, we are advising residents to avoid going outside for extended periods of time,” Camden County Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, said. “The weather will turn even more frigid tonight with temperatures in the single digits and wind chill well into the negatives. We need everyone to be sheltered and out of the elements.”

When the Camden County Health Officer declares a Severe Weather Emergency, municipalities with homeless populations, situational homeless or transient populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plan to accommodate their immediate needs.

An upper level disturbance passing through the region will likely trigger some flurries and perhaps even some steadier snow squalls.

Although any snow showers that do develop will be a short duration, a few steadier ones have the potential to produce a quick covering of a half-inch in accumulation.

In addition, there will be a considerable increase in wind with peak gusts of 30 to 35 mph at times Wednesday night. Although it will be sunnier on Thursday, high temperatures will likely remain in the teens throughout the day.

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.

“During these weather emergencies, we encourage everyone to check on elderly or handicapped relatives and neighbors that live alone,” Rodriguez said. “It is important that most vulnerable among us are not left without heat or electricity.”

Persons seeking shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality.

In case of a power outage please report it directly to the appropriate utility provider list below:

• PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
• PSEG website: http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp
• Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476
• Atlantic City Electric website: http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/
• South Jersey Gas: 1-800-582-7060
• South Jersey Gas website: http://southjerseygas.com/