Arctic blast to hit Philly region; snow possible Friday night
(WTXF) - Philadelphia's Office of Homeless Services has declared a weeklong Code Blue -- from 6pm Wednesday until 6am next Wednesday, Dec. 21 -- to prevent weather-related deaths among the homeless. The city's homeless outreach teams increase staffing and foot patrols, and give homeless people access to shelter 24 hours a day.
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Also, during a Code Blue, Philadelphia police are authorized to transport homeless people to a shelter. If you see a person living on the street, they ask you to call Homeless Outreach at 215-232-1984 to report it.
Officials discourage providing the homeless with items such as sleeping bags, tents, mattresses and food, so they can stay in the extreme cold rather than a shelter for even more prolonged periods.
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The Bucks County Emergency Management Agency and Health Department issued a "Code Blue" declaration. It'll last from 7pm Wednesday until 7am Saturday. The December on-call churches -- Emmaus Rod Lutheran Church in Levittown, Neshaminy Warwick Presbyterian Church and Quakertown Masonic Lodge -- plan to activate their emergency shelters. Authorities are asking people to check on their elderly neighbors and take caution with pets, keeping them indoors.
Atlantic city also issued a Code Blue has been from 8pm Wednesday to 8pm on Friday, 12/16. The Rescue Mission is open. The ACPD will provide rides if available.