Garden State Times

Commissioner Virginia Betteridge has announced a Code Blue Advisory for Camden County, effective from Thursday evening through Sunday morning. The advisory is in response to anticipated cold weather conditions and aims to ensure the safety of residents, particularly the elderly, disabled, and homeless populations.

The advisory will be in effect during the following periods: 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 to 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6; 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6 to 7 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 7; and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 to 7 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 8.

“It is crucial that everyone gets inside and away from these dangerous elements,” said Betteridge. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that heating systems are functional for vulnerable groups and advised bringing pets indoors.

Municipalities with homeless or transient populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plans during this period to meet immediate needs.

“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 tips for pet safety during cold weather: keep pets indoors when temperatures drop below freezing; provide warm shelter if they must remain outside; watch for signs of distress such as shivering; ensure access to clean water; protect paws from salt and chemicals; and prevent antifreeze ingestion due to its toxicity.

The Camden County Health Department and Office of Emergency Management have coordinated with municipalities to prepare resources for severe weather situations under individual 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 are advised to report directly to utility providers:

- PSE&G: Call 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) or visit http://pseg.com/home/customer_service/outage_info/index.jsp

- Atlantic City Electric: Call 1-800-833-7476 or visit http://www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/

- South Jersey Gas: Call 1-800-582-7060 or visit http://southjerseygas.com/