Commissioner Virginia Betteridge has announced a Code Blue Advisory for Camden County, effective from Thursday evening to Sunday morning. This advisory is due to the expected severe cold weather conditions in the region. Residents are urged to take necessary precautions to stay safe during this period.
The Code Blue advisory will be in effect during the following times: from 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, to 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13; from 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, to 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14; and from 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, to 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 15.
“It is crucial that everyone gets inside and away from these dangerous elements,” said Betteridge. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that elderly residents and those with disabilities have working heating systems and advised pet owners to bring their animals indoors.
Municipalities with homeless populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plans as part of this advisory.
“If you know of anyone who is elderly or disabled, please check on them to make sure they’re prepared to stay safe in these dangerous temperatures,” Betteridge added.
Betteridge also provided several tips for pet safety during extreme cold weather conditions:
– Keep pets indoors when temperatures fall below freezing.
– If pets must remain outside, provide adequate shelter.
– Monitor pets for signs of distress such as shivering.
– Ensure pets have access to clean unfrozen water.
– Protect pet paws from ice-melting chemicals by using petroleum jelly or boots.
– Be cautious about antifreeze ingestion as it can be fatal for pets.
Residents seeking shelter should contact their local municipality or reach out to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 999-9045 for additional resources.
In case of power outages during this period, residents should report directly to their utility providers: PSE&G at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734), Atlantic City Electric at 1-800-833-7476, or South Jersey Gas at 1-800-582-7060.
