Montgomery County issues Code Blue Declaration for April 5 through April 8

Information provided by the Montgomery County Office of Communications

The Montgomery County Commissioners, on the advice of the Montgomery County Office of Public Health, have declared a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency for Montgomery County based on a review of forecasts from the National Weather Service.

The Code Blue has been declared in Montgomery County for the period beginning Friday, April 5, at 9 p.m. and ending on Monday, April 8, at 9 a.m. During this time, either the temperature or the wind chill is expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

A Code Blue is declared in Montgomery County when winter conditions pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter.

Residents in need of assistance with housing and shelter can contact 610-278-3522 or email Homeless@montgomerycountypa.gov for direct, local support courtesy of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Service's Office of Community Connections.

What to do in Code Blue conditions

• Check on elderly friends and neighbors frequently to ensure that their homes are adequately heated.
• If you see someone in need of immediate emergency assistance, call or text 9-1-1.
• If you or someone you know needs help with temporary shelter from the cold weather or a longer-term housing issue, call Your Way Home at 610-278-3522.

Personal tips

• Make sure your car is winterized with antifreeze, a full tank of gas, properly inflated tires, and is stocked with an emergency kit.
• Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Wear appropriate clothing and avoid prolonged exposure when going outdoors in winter weather.
• Limit pets' time outdoors during extreme temperatures.
• Report power outages directly to your utility company; DO NOT call 9-1-1.

For general cold weather information, please visit www.montgomerycountypa.gov/codeblue.