Camden County Issues 'Code Blue'

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, N.J., (CBS) -- Camden County will be under a Code Blue Advisory tonight, Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services announced.

The Health Officer issued the Code Blue advisory for Camden County effective from 6 p.m. on Jan. 6 until 7 a.m. on Jan 7.

"Tonight, temperatures are expected to drop to around 20 degrees.  Everyone should be sheltered and out of the elements during this extreme cold," Rodriguez said in a news release.  "Before leaving the house, please dress yourself and your children in warm clothing, hats and gloves.  Also, please remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors, and bring your pets indoors."

When the Camden County Health Officer declares a Severe Weather Advisory, officials say municipalities with homeless populations, situational homeless or transient populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plan to accommodate their immediate needs.

"During these weather emergencies, we encourage everyone to check on elderly or handicapped relatives and neighbors that live alone," Rodriguez said. "It is important that most vulnerable among us are not left without heat or electricity."

Officials say the Camden County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management have worked with each municipality to ensure they have the proper resources to respond to these severe weather situations as part of their individual Code Blue plans.  Each municipality has identified its own location to accommodate those in their community seeking shelter from the severe weather, according to officials.

Officials say persons seeking shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality.  Additional resources are available by calling the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services at (800) 999-9045, or by visiting www.camdencounty.com.