A code blue is now in effect in Montgomery County as residents in the area continue to deal with bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills.
The Code Blue Declaration was issued for Montgomery County Saturday at 9 p.m. and will last until 9 a.m. on Tuesday. A Code Blue Declaration is made when winter conditions pose a threat of serious harm or death to those without shelter. A Code Blue is also called when the combination of air temperature and wind chill is anticipated to be 20 degrees Fahrenheit or less.
Montgomery County residents who need shelter during a Code Blue can visit the County Homeless Outreach Center in building 53 at the Norristown State Hospital. The CHOC is a 50-bed shelter for single residents. You can contact the center at 610-292-9244. Families can also seek shelter at the Salvation Army in Norristown or Pottstown.
Temperatures were in the 20’s with wind chills in the teens and single digits in several parts of the area Sunday morning.
Officials recommend the following to prevent frost bite:
- Plan Ahead
- Protect your hands, feet, nose and ears
- Wear layered clothing
- Go inside periodically to warm up
- Avoid drinking alcohol before or during exposure to cold weather (Doctors say it prevents you from realizing when you’re too cold)
- Avoid smoking cigarettes which negatively affects circulation and increases the risk of frostbite
