Burlington County: code blue in effect

With a strong coastal nor’easter bringing cold weather to the area, the Burlington County Health Department today declared that a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency will commence at 7 p.m. today and remain in effect through 7 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 8.

Officials will then review and assess upcoming weather forecasts.

A winter weather advisory is in effect for our area, indicating that snow, sleet, or freezing rain is in the forecast, along with temperatures in the 30s, high winds, and wind chill factors in the 20s.

A Code Blue declaration is made in Burlington County when winter conditions pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter. When a Code Blue is enacted it provides for short-term emergency sheltering.

Individuals can call CONTACT of Burlington County at (856) 234–8888 or (866) 234–5006 for a list of available shelters and additional Code Blue information.

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