The Camden County Office of Emergency Management has declared a Code Blue Advisory for the area due to forecasted dangerously low temperatures, as reported by the National Weather Service. The advisory will be in effect from Sunday, February 1 at 7:00 a.m. through Wednesday, February 4 at 7:00 a.m., with temperatures expected to remain below freezing throughout this period.
Code Blue Advisories are issued when forecasts predict temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, or wind chills of zero degrees Fahrenheit or lower for two hours or more. During these advisories, municipalities are required to activate their Code Blue response plans to provide shelter and resources for vulnerable populations, including those who are homeless or transient. The county coordinates with each municipality to ensure proper resources are available and that each community has designated locations for those seeking shelter.
“As temperatures fall to dangerously low levels, it is critical that our residents have access to a safe place to stay warm,” said Commissioner Jonathan Young, liaison to the Camden County Department of Public Safety. “We urge everyone to check in on vulnerable neighbors, ensure heating systems are working properly, and bring pets indoors.”
Residents are encouraged to take precautions during this cold period. Recommendations include dressing in layers using moisture-wicking materials, keeping space heaters away from flammable items and unplugged when not in use, never using stoves or ovens as heat sources, and ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors function properly. Pets should be kept indoors as much as possible; shivering indicates distress from cold exposure.
Drivers are advised to prepare vehicles for winter conditions by checking headlights, windshield wipers, tires, and brakes. Clearing snow and ice before driving improves safety and visibility. It is also recommended to keep an emergency kit in vehicles with essentials such as blankets and flashlights.
Individuals seeking shelter can contact their local municipality for information about warming centers. A full list is available at www.camdencounty.com/service/health-human-services/warming-centers/. Residents needing after-hours assistance can call 2-1-1.
Camden County operates through a seven-member Board of Commissioners responsible for legislative and executive functions across its 37 municipalities in southern New Jersey (source). The county provides public safety services like emergency management along with health programs and infrastructure maintenance (source). Through partnerships at various government levels, Camden County works to support over half a million residents (source).
