Code Blue Extended In Montgomery County

With temperatures dropping rapidly, Montgomery County has extended their Code Blue Weather Emergency to the end of the week.

The declaration, which had previously been set to expire at noon Monday, will now last through 9 a.m. on Friday, March 17.

It's the seventh time this winter that the Montgomery County Commissioners have declared a Code Blue, which is reserved for when the wind chill is expected to dip below 20 degrees and conditions "pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter."

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

Image via Jerry Winters