Extreme Cold Tips Offered In Eastern Montco

EASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — The forecast over the next few days this week looks grim.

Besides a possible snowstorm hitting the region again this weekend, temperatures have tumbled, prompting Montgomery County to extend its Code Blue alert until Feb. 2.

Officials are offering tips to help combat the extreme cold weather. See suggestions below

During the winter season, Montgomery County implements a winter weather, or “Code Blue,” emergency plan. A Code Blue is declared when the overnight temperature and/or wind chill is expected to be at or below 32° Fahrenheit for two or more hours.

When a Code Blue is declared, multiple county agencies and private health / social organizations offer expanded services for those without adequate shelter, including the chronically homeless and homeless families with children. The goal of the Code Blue plan is to provide temporary shelter, food, and clothing to those in need.

The Office of Public Health is responsible for recommending Code Blue emergencies to the County Commissioners based on monitoring of National Weather Service forecasts. Code Blue declarations will be issued for a specific duration, usually based on 24-hour increments, and will end as initially declared unless formally extended by the County Commissioners.

What To Do In "Code Blue" Conditions

• If you or someone you know needs help with temporary shelter from the cold weather or a longer-term housing issue, call the Your Way Home Call Center at 610-278-3522.
• If you see someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
• For 24/7 information about crisis resources for housing, utilities, food resources, and more, call 2-1-1.
• Check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated.