SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Lackawanna County and the City of Scranton have issued multiple Code Blue Frigid Weather Alerts through New Year’s Eve as dangerously cold temperatures move into the region.
According to the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency and city officials, the alerts will be in effect on the following nights:
Saturday, Dec. 27, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Sunday, with wind chills around 20 degrees
Monday, Dec. 29, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Tuesday, with wind chills near 9 degrees
Tuesday, Dec. 30, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Wednesday, with wind chills around 11 degrees
A Code Blue is declared when temperatures are expected to fall below 20 degrees and activates emergency plans to protect vulnerable populations, particularly individuals experiencing homelessness.
Emergency shelter options during Code Blue include:
St. Anthony’s Haven, 409 Olive Street, open from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m.Weston Field House, 982 Providence Road, opening at 7:30 p.m.Community Intervention Center (CIC), 445 North Sixth Avenue, open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours if needed
Officials are also reminding residents to take precautions during extreme cold. Drivers should make sure vehicles are winterized with antifreeze, a full tank of gas, properly inflated tires, and an emergency kit. Residents are encouraged to check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes and never operate generators in enclosed spaces.
People should dress appropriately for the cold, limit time outdoors, and check on elderly neighbors. Pet owners are urged to limit pets’ exposure to frigid temperatures.
Power outages should be reported directly to utility companies. Residents are asked not to call 911 unless there is a life-threatening emergency.