Philadelphia Extends Code Blue Emergency Status

PHILADELPHIA – The City of Philadelphia enacted a Code Blue cold weather emergency status on Christmas Day, but with nearly sub-zero temperatures predicted in the coming days, the city has extended the status.

Officials said the Code Blue status will remain in effect until further notice.

As the Code Blue is in effect, the city's homeless outreach teams will be patrolling streets, encouraging homeless people to come indoors and to avoid prolonged exposure to the elements as temperatures dip dangerously low.

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Anyone who sees a person that appears to be homeless during the Code Blue is urged to call the Homeless Outreach hotline at (215) 232-1984, which is available at any time.

Homeless outreach teams are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Outreach teams and first responders will particularly be on the lookout for those who are especially vulnerable, such as individuals with a mental illness.

Additionally, the public is urged to call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging at (215) 765-9040 with concerns about an elderly person in the cold and to call the Animal Care and Control Team at (267) 385-3800 with concerns about animals in the cold.

The Office of Homeless Services is providing as many as 500 extra beds throughout the winter season, ensuring accommodations for anyone who needs to be brought inside from the cold during Code Blue.

A Code Blue is declared when the National Weather Bureau predicts a wind chill temperature of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below or precipitation with temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Patch file photo