Counties Across The Region Open Up Warming Centers As Cold Air Ushers In
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Temperatures across the region are starting to drop, prompting several counties to issue a Code Blue and open up warming centers.
A freeze warning is in effect from 7 p.m. Friday till 10 a.m. Saturday for Philadelphia, South Jersey and Delaware.
Power companies and emergency managers are bracing for winter with expected low temperatures.
On Thursday, Atlantic City Electric showed off smart switches designed to isolate power outages, keeping more people online when trees branches inevitably fall on lines.
But Vince Maione, with Atlantic City Electric, says it's also important for you to be ready, too.
He suggests checking your heating system now before the cold sets in for good-- and never to resort to risky methods of heating the home.
"People sometimes bring lanterns in the home kerosene heaters that may not be properly cleaned or prepared or use stove, those are no-nos we don't want people to use their systems to heat their homes so if you do get in situation find an alternative location to get heated," he said.
Joe Monticolo, with Weaver Oil, sees his community scrambling to prepare first hand.
"It seems earlier than usual, I think people were holding off with the warm temperatures, they weren't placing their orders as early as usual and people are in a big rush now," said Monticolo.
And he anticipates demand for heating oil to continue to heat up as the weather goes downhill.
Get it as soon as possible because we're real busy right now.
COLD BLUE
The Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services has declared its first Code Blue effective at 7 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Nov. 12 at 7 a.m.
Montgomery County issued a Code Blue beginning Friday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. and ending on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 8 a.m. During this time period, the temperature and/or wind chill is expected to be below 20 degrees in the county.
In Camden County, a Code Blue has been issued from 7 p.m. on Friday until 7 a.m. on Saturday.
In Cumberland County, a Code Blue is active from 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 10 until Saturday morning at 6 a.m.
In Bridgeton, the Code Blue warming Center will be located at Bethany Grace Church at 31 North Pearl St.
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 assistance, call or text 9-1-1.
- If you or someone you know needs temporary shelter from the cold weather, call CHOC at 610-292-9244.
- If you or someone you know needs help with a longer-term housing issue, call Your Way Home at 1-877-646-630
WARMING CENTERS
The Vineland Warming Center is located at First Presbyterian, 800 East Landis Ave. from 6-8 p.m., and then overnight hours at Living Hope Assembly, 1059 West Landis Ave.
The Millville Warming Center is located at Trinity United Methodist Church, Ben Corson Hall, 100 South 2nd St.
Stay with CBSPhilly.com for updates.
