(GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ) – Camden County Department of Health and Human Services Liaison Director Virginia Betteridge has advised municipalities that the area will be placed under a Code Blue advisory from Tuesday evening into Sunday morning.
Health officials have issued a Code Blue advisory for Camden County, effective from 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, to 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. Wednesday, February 21st, 7pm to Thursday, February 22nd, 9am. Friday, February 23rd, 7pm to Saturday, February 24th, 9am. Saturday, February 24th, 7pm to Sunday, February 25th, 9am. The after-hours Code Blue emergency hotline is 2-1-1.
“It's important that everyone stays in and out of these dangerous elements,” Betteridge said. “It’s also important to ensure elderly and disabled residents have access to heat and bring all pets indoors.”
When the Camden County Health Officer declares a Code Blue Weather Advisory, municipalities with homeless, situationally homeless, or transient populations are expected to initiate a Code Blue response plan to address immediate needs. .
“If you have elderly people or people with disabilities, please make sure they are prepared to stay safe in these dangerous temperatures,” Betteridge said.
Since the majority of households in Camden County own a dog or cat, Betteridge wants to make sure all pets are safe in these extreme temperatures.
Here are some cold weather tips from Chief Betteridge to keep your pets safe.
- If the thermometer is below 32 degrees, keep your pet indoors as much as possible. If your pet must spend time outdoors, provide a warm shelter raised a few inches off the ground, with the opening 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 large enough to keep it warm.
- If your pet is outdoors for long periods of time when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), watch for signs of cold distress. Just like in humans, shivering indicates a drop in body temperature. If you see your pet shaking, it's probably time to bring him indoors. Please note that the pet's body temperature is 101-102 degrees, and in cold weather the body temperature drops faster.
- Very young pets, very old pets, or pets with health problems are more susceptible to colds.
- Animals with thick fur can withstand cold longer than small animals or animals with short fur.
- Do not leave your pet in an unheated car for long periods of time.
- Give your pet clean, unfrozen drinking water. Don't let your pet drink water from puddles that may contain deadly antifreeze or other harmful chemicals.
- Pets can get rock salt, ice, and other melted chemicals on their paw pads. May be harmful to pets. Massaging petroleum jelly into your paw pads before going out will protect you from salt and chemicals. Moisturizing your feet after wiping them thoroughly with a towel will help heal rough feet. Once your pet is indoors, wipe their paws with a damp cloth to protect their paw pads from damage. If this is an issue for your pet, we have boots available in all sizes. Dogs can get used to wearing boots indoors for short periods of time. Not all dogs get attached to them.
- If you have an outdoor cat in your neighborhood, tap on the hood of your car and peek under it before starting the engine and driving away. If cats are left out in the cold, they may curl up next to or under a warm engine.
- Antifreeze has a scent and taste that is attractive to animals and is highly toxic. Be especially careful when consuming antifreeze. The first sign of antifreeze poisoning is that your pet appears intoxicated. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, take them to your veterinarian immediately, as death can occur within 4 minutes.
Up to 8 hours after ingestion.
The Camden County Health Department and Office of Emergency Management are working with each municipality to ensure they have adequate resources to respond to these severe weather conditions as part of their respective Code Blue plans. Each municipality has identified its own locations to accommodate local residents seeking shelter from severe weather.
Those who wish to evacuate to a warming center should contact their local government. Additional resources are available by calling the Camden County Health and Human Services Department at (800) 999-9045 or visiting www.camdencounty.com.
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