Ahead Of Snowstorm, Montco Declares Code Blue Emergency

NORRISTOWN, PA — Ahead of the coming snowstorm on Thursday night into early Friday morning, authorities in Montgomery County are taking steps to protect the area's most vulnerable residents.

A Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency will be in effect from 8 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 8.

Along with the storm that could dump up to 6 inches of snow in the greater Philadelphia area, according to forecasters, a frigid cold front is passing through that will send the wind chill below 20 degrees.

>>Eastern PA Weather: Updated Snow Accumulation Estimates For Friday Storm

The county declares a Code Blue when winter weather conditions are believed to be serious enough to cause "serious harm or death" to those without adequate shelter.

Pets should also have only limited outdoor time, and vehicles should be stocked with antifreeze and an emergency kit, as well as fully inflated tires.

Over the next few days, residents should check in on the elderly and neighbors to make sure their homes are heated.

And if you know someone who needs temporary shelter tonight, or who has a longer term housing issue, call Your Way Home at 2-1-1 or text 898-211.

For those at risk, the county recommends the following resources:

• Inter-faith Housing Alliance Ambler
• Salvation Army Pottstown
• Interfaith Hospitality Network Keystone Opportunity Center (Souderton)
• Interfaith Hospitality Network Of Main Line - Overnight Shelter

Single individuals can go to the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center, which is located at Building 9 at Norristown State Hospital. Their phone number is 610-292-9244.
Families in need of shelter should go to the Salvation Army in Norristown (610-275-4183), or the Your Way Home Call Center at 2-1-1.