By Jack Tomczuk<\/p>\n
Amid Philadelphia\u2019s first significant snowfall of the season, the city has opened up warming centers for homeless individuals and others looking to escape the frigid conditions.<\/p>\n
As much as 5 inches fell in some neighborhoods, according to measurements posted by the National Weather Service.<\/a> The NWS\u2019s Philadelphia\/Mt. Holly Office<\/a> predicted that wind chills could dip near or below 0 degrees Sunday night into Monday morning, and low temperatures are anticipated to continue through at least Tuesday.<\/p>\n “We do not want anyone to spend a single night on a sidewalk, below an underpass, in an alleyway or on someone\u2019s stoop,” said Cheryl Hill, executive director of the city\u2019s Office of Homeless Services<\/a>, in a statement. \u201cWe will have enough beds for anyone who needs one. Plus, in the event our beds are filled, our warming centers will be an option that will save lives.”<\/p>\n About 400 shelter beds are added during the winter months, and as many as 50 more are opened up when the city declares a \u201cCode Blue,\u201d according to OHS representatives.<\/p>\n A Code Blue is triggered when the forecast calls for a wind chill of 20 degrees or below, or if temperatures drop under 33 degrees with rain, sleet or snow. Philadelphia is now in an \u201cEnhanced Code Blue,\u201d which goes into effect when such conditions persist for at least three consecutive nights.<\/p>\n During all Code Blues, the city deploys extra 24\/7 homeless outreach teams. Anyone who needs help or is trying to assist someone sleeping outside is urged to call the outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.<\/p>\n Mayor Cherelle Parker\u2019s administration, in response to the \u201cenhanced\u201d designation, has revived a warming center initiative her team expanded nearly a year ago<\/a>. The Enhanced Code Blue began Saturday night and will remain in place until further notice, city officials said.<\/p>\n