Camden County Declares 'Code Blue' For Homeless
By Robin Culverwell
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Camden County health officials have issued a "code blue" advisory for tonight and tomorrow night, because of the forecast for extreme cold.
The code blue is in effect from 6pm each evening until 7am the following morning.
According to a statement issued by the county, municipalities with homeless populations, "situational" homeless, or transient populations are expected to activate their code blue response plans to accommodate their immediate needs.
"It will be bitterly cold the next two nights, with high temperatures hovering around the freezing mark, with the chance of another dusting of snow," noted county freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. "We need everyone to be sheltered and out of the elements during this severe weather."
He advises all residents to dress warmly before going out, to check on elderly relatives and neighbors, and bring pets indoors.
Warming centers will be available at the following locations in Camden:
- New Life Community Development Corporation, 1721 Haddon Avenue
- The Butterfly Program, 720 Washington Street
- Joseph's House of Camden, 555 Atlantic Avenue