Burlington County extends Code Blue Weather Emergency to Saturday morning

County residents, especially children and the elderly, encouraged to stay indoors in heated areas

Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs announced today that the Burlington County Health Department, in concurrence with the County Office of Emergency Management, has extended the current Code Blue Weather Emergency until 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, due to the extreme cold temperatures forecasted. County officials will assess weather conditions again on Saturday to determine if additional precautions are needed.

“A Code Blue declaration is made in Burlington County when winter weather conditions pose a threat of serious harm to individuals without shelter,” explained Director Gibbs. “When a Code Blue is enacted it provides for short-term emergency shelters to those in need.”

“During a Code Blue declaration, we encourage residents to stay indoors in heated areas,” added Director Gibbs. “This is a time when we need to look out for the most vulnerable among us, especially children and older adults. Caution should also be taken with pets during extremely cold temperatures.”

Individuals in need of shelter, or for more information about Code Blue, can call CONTACT of Burlington County at (856) 234–8888, or (866) 234–5006.

For general cold weather precautions, check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter.