'Dangerously Low' Temps Prompt Code Blue Alert In Camden County: What To Know

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Snow showers in the region didn't last long. But the bitter cold will linger with some strong gusts mixed in, and Camden County will maintain a Code Blue Advisory for the next few days.

The advisory, which began Monday evening, is in effect from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., ending Thursday morning. Temperatures could drop into the low 20s during that span, according to forecasters. (See the forecast below.)

"Temperatures are set to drop dangerously low so it is crucial that everyone gets inside and away from these elements," said County Commissioner Virginia Betteridge. "It's also important that our elderly residents and those living with disabilities have their heat in working order and that all pets are brought indoors."

When the county health officer declares a Code Blue Advisory, municipalities with homeless populations, situational homeless or transient populations are expected to activate their Code Blue response plans. Local warming centers can be found on nj211.org.

Those 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.

The new after-hours Code Blue emergency hotline is 2-1-1.

Safety Tips

Check on elderly or disabled people you know to ensure they're prepared for the low temperatures, says Betteridge, liaison to the county health department.

Betteridge also recommends the following for keeping pets safe:

• When the thermometer dips below 32 degrees, keep your pet indoors as much as possible. If your pet must stay outside, provide a warm shelter, raised a few inches off the ground, with the opening facing away from the wind and covered with a burlap or plastic flap. The shelter should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around, but small enough to retain its body heat.
  
• If your pet is outdoors for extended periods when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), be alert for signs of distress from the cold. Just like in people, shivering is a sign that the body temperature is dropping. If you see your pet shivering, it is probably time to bring it inside. Remember, your pet’s body temperature is between 101-102 degrees and its body temperature lowers faster in cold weather.
• A very young, very old pet or a pet with a health problem is more vulnerable to cold.
• An animal with thick fur can tolerate cold longer than a small animal and one with short hair.
• Don’t leave your pet in an unheated vehicle for extended periods of time.
• Make sure your pet has clean unfrozen drinking water. Do not let your pet drink from puddles where there may be deadly antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.
• A pet can pick up rock salt, ice and other melting chemicals in their foot pads. This can harm your pet. Massaging petroleum jelly into paw pads before going outside helps to protect from salt and chemical agents. Moisturizing after a good toweling off helps to heal chapped paws. Wipe your pet’s feet with a damp cloth when it comes inside to protect its pads from damage. If this is a problem for your pet, there are boots available in all sizes. Your dog can get used to wearing the boots indoors for short periods of time. Not all dogs take to them.
• If there are outside cats in the neighborhood, knock on the hood of your vehicle and look under it before starting your engine and driving off. Cats sometimes curl up next to or under warm engines when they are left out in the cold.
• Antifreeze has an attractive scent and taste for animals and is extremely poisonous. Be especially vigilant about the ingestion of antifreeze. The first sign of antifreeze poisoning is a pet that appears drunk. Immediately get your pet to the vet if you suspect it has ingested antifreeze as it can be fatal within four to eight hours of ingestion.

If you lose power, report outages directly to the appropriate utility provider below:

• PSE&G: 1-800-436-PSEG (7734)
• PSE&G website
• Atlantic City Electric: 1-800-833-7476
  
• Atlantic City Electric website
• South Jersey Gas: 1-800-582-7060
  
• South Jersey Gas website

Forecast

Here's the National Weather Service's latest Camden County forecast:

• Rest of Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Cooler with highs in the upper 30s. Temperature falling into the lower 30s this afternoon. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
• Tuesday night: Mostly clear. Cold with lows in the lower 20s. West winds 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph in the evening.
• Wednesday: Sunny. Highs in the upper 30s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Wednesday night: Partly cloudy in the evening, then clearing. Cold with lows in the mid-20s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.
• Thursday: Sunny. Not as cool with highs around 50. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph.