NORRISTOWN — An anticipated cold spell over the next few days prompted Montgomery County officials to issue a “Code Blue” declaration starting Friday night, continuing through the new year.
The order is slated to begin at 10 p.m. Friday and will remain in effect until 10 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2024, according to a Montgomery County spokesperson, who specified that “either the temperature or the wind chill is expected to be below 32 degrees Fahrenheit” over the next few days.
County officials cited guidance from the National Weather Service when making a decision to issue the “Code Blue” as forecasts predicted a drop in temperatures. Weather.com reports are expected to have highs of around 44 degrees and lows reaching 27 degrees locally.
The county’s “Code Blue” guidelines were amended earlier this month. Previous rules stipulated that a declaration would be issued when “temperature or the wind chill is expected to be below 20 degrees,” but county officials raised the temperature threshold to 32 degrees in a Dec. 18 statement.
During a “Code Blue,” residents in need of shelter should call Your Way Home at 211 or text their zip code to 898-211. Designated shelters are expected to open in Lansdale, Norristown and Plymouth Meeting, with beds also available in the western part of the county through Pottstown Beacon of Hope’s warming center.
County officials encouraged area residents to check on elderly neighbors and offered the following tips during “Code Blue” conditions:
• 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 911.
