Winter Weather Warning & Code Blue

  WINTER WEATHER WARNING

The Difference between Watches/ Warnings and Advisories

A Watch is the potential exists for a significant/dangerous weather
event.

An Advisory is a less severe winter weather event that is imminent.

A Warning is a significant/dangerous weather event is imminent.

CODE BLUE

During this winter season, Montgomery County is again implementing the 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 access to 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 are issued for a specific duration, usually based on 24-hour increments, and 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.