Garden State Times

Commissioner Virginia Betteridge, representing the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, has announced a Code Blue Advisory for the region. This advisory will be in effect from Friday evening to Wednesday morning.

The Health Officer's advisory specifies that the Code Blue will be active during the following periods: 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30; 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30 to 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 1; 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 to 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 2; 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 to 7 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3; and finally from 7 p.m., Tuesday Dec. 3 to 7 a.m., Wednesday, Dec.4.

“It is crucial that everyone gets inside and away from these dangerous elements,” said Betteridge, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that elderly residents and those with disabilities have adequate heating and that pets are brought indoors.

Municipalities with homeless populations or transient individuals are expected to implement their Code Blue response plans when such advisories are declared by the Camden County Health Officer.

“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,” added Betteridge.

Betteridge also provided cold weather tips for pet safety during extreme temperatures:

- Keep pets indoors as much as possible when temperatures fall below freezing.

- Provide warm shelters if pets must remain outside.

- Be alert for signs of distress like shivering.

- Ensure pets have clean drinking water and avoid letting them drink from puddles containing harmful chemicals.

- Protect pets' paws from salt and chemicals using petroleum jelly or boots.

- Check under vehicles for cats seeking warmth before starting engines.

- Be vigilant about antifreeze ingestion due to its poisonous nature.

The Camden County Health Department has coordinated with municipalities to ensure resources are available for severe weather situations as part of their Code Blue plans.

Residents seeking shelter should contact their local municipality or call the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (800)999-9045 for additional resources.

In case of power outages, residents should report directly to utility providers: PSE&G at (800)436-PSEG (7734), Atlantic City Electric at (800)833-7476, or South Jersey Gas at (800)582-7060.