Montco Issues Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency

NORRISTOWN, PA – Montgomery County officials are issuing another Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency for Montgomery County as the National Weather Service is predicting low temperatures and wind chills for the next several days.

The Code Blue status goes into effect at 9 p.m., Tuesday Dec. 12 and will be lifted at 9 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, the county said.

During this time period, including during the day Wednesday, Dec. 13, the temperature and/or wind chill is expected to be below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the county said.

Code Blue 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

Patch file photo