Montgomery County, PA

During this winter season, Montgomery County will again be implementing a winter weather, or “Code Blue”, emergency plan.  In periods of extreme, life-threatening weather, defined as a wind-chill factor of 20°F or below, multiple County agencies and private health/social organizations will offer expanded services for those without adequate shelter, including the chronically homeless and homeless families with children. The goal of the Code Blue plan is to provide temporary shelter, food and clothing to those in need.

 

The Health Department is responsible for determining and declaring Code Blue emergencies based on monitoring of National Weather Service forecasts. Code Blue declarations will be issued for a specific duration, usually based on 24-hour increments, and will end as initially declared unless formally extended by the Health Department. 

 

Residents of Montgomery County who need shelter during a Code Blue can go to the County Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC) in Building 53 at the Norristown State Hospital grounds. If needed, transportation will be provided. The CHOC is a 50 bed shelter for single residents. The phone number for the CHOC is 610-292-9244. Families are sheltered at the Salvation Army in Norristown or Pottstown. 

 

For more information:

 

Worker Protection (OSHA) 

Pet Care: Cold Weather Tips for Pets  

Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center

Cold Weather Preparedness and Response

Tips About Frostbite

National Weather Service

Weather Channel