Code Blue Declared in Montgomery County

Beginning Thursday night, a Code Blue cold weather emergency declaration is in effect in Montgomery County.

The declaration is in effect from 7 p.m. Thursday through midnight on Sunday, Feb. 5., the county announced.

It's the third code blue of the season in Montgomery County. The Department of Public Safety advises the county commissioners when to issue an declaration, which occurs when the wind chill dips below 20 degrees.

The low will drop to 19 on Friday, with a high of 32, and then 22 on Saturday, with the high struggling to climb out of the 40's.

During a code blue, townships with homeless populations, situational homeless or transient populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plan to accommodate their immediate needs.

Residents of Montgomery County who need shelter during a Code Blue can go to the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC) in Building 53 at the Norristown State Hospital grounds. If needed, transportation will be provided. The CHOC is a 50-bed shelter for single residents. The phone number for the CHOC is 610-292-9244. Families are sheltered at the Salvation Army in Norristown or Pottstown.

Related Resources, courtesy of Montgomery County:

• Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC)
• Emergency Preparedness and Response - Winter Weather (CDC)
• National Weather Service - Winter Safety
• The Salvation Army of Norristown
• The Salvation Army of Pottstown

Patch file photo