Garden State Times

Commissioner Jonathan Young, who is associated with the Camden County Department of Public Safety, has announced a Code Blue Advisory for the region. This advisory will be in effect from Friday evening to Monday morning. Residents are advised to use the after-hours emergency hotline at 2-1-1.

The Health Officer has declared the advisory effective for all of Camden County on Saturday, December 21 and Sunday, December 22. "The temperature is set to drop dangerously low, so it is critical that everyone is inside and away from the elements," Young stated. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that elderly residents and those with disabilities have adequate heating and that pets are brought indoors.

When a Code Blue Weather Advisory is issued by the Camden County Office of Emergency Management, municipalities with homeless or transient populations are required to activate their response plans 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," Young urged.

Young also provided several tips for keeping pets safe during cold weather conditions. These include keeping pets indoors when temperatures fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and ensuring outdoor shelters are warm and protected from wind. Pet owners should be vigilant for signs of distress such as shivering, which indicates a drop in body temperature.

Additional precautions include preventing pets from drinking antifreeze or other harmful chemicals found in puddles and protecting their paws from rock salt and ice-melting agents by using petroleum jelly or boots.

Municipalities within Camden County have collaborated with the Health Department and Office of Emergency Management to ensure resources are available for severe weather situations under individual Code Blue plans. Each municipality has designated locations for community members seeking shelter.

Residents needing shelter can contact their local municipality for assistance. In case of power outages, reports should be made directly to 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.