Metro Philadelphia<\/p>\n
The city\u2019s Office of Homeless Services has elevated Philadelphia\u2019s current Code Blue<\/a> to an Enhanced Code Blue, effective immediately and continuing until further notice, as forecasters warn of prolonged extreme cold through the end of the month.<\/p>\n The move comes after the National Weather Service predicted freezing temperatures and dangerous wind chills for multiple consecutive days. The Code Blue was initially declared on Sunday, Jan. 18, and upgraded this week as conditions worsened.<\/p>\n More than a dozen warming centers<\/a> will open citywide, providing free, indoor shelter to anyone seeking relief from the cold. Sites will operate across every City Council district at locations including Philadelphia Parks and Recreation facilities, Free Library branches and other designated spaces.<\/p>\n An Enhanced Code Blue is declared when a standard Code Blue is expected to last for three or more consecutive nights or when a Snow Emergency is issued. A standard Code Blue is triggered when temperatures are forecast at or below 32 degrees with precipitation, or when wind chills drop to 20 degrees or lower.<\/p>\n In addition to warming centers, the city increases shelter capacity each winter by roughly 400 beds, with up to 50 additional beds activated during each Code Blue.<\/p>\n Enhanced outreach and city services<\/p>\n During an Enhanced Code Blue, OHS coordinates with the Office of Emergency Management and multiple city agencies to deploy expanded outreach teams across the city. These teams engage with people living or sleeping outdoors and can connect them to warming centers, shelter, medical care, substance use treatment and other support services.<\/p>\n Warming centers accept walk-ins. People living outdoors who need transportation can call the city\u2019s Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984 to request a ride.<\/p>\n OEM will maintain an interactive map of warming center locations and hours at phila.gov\/GetWarm<\/a>. Officials note that sites may change as conditions evolve and encourage residents to check the map before traveling. Overnight warming centers will also provide water and snacks or meals.<\/p>\n During all Code Blue declarations, OHS activates an alert across the City of Philadelphia<\/a>\u00a0website and shares updates through its\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0X<\/a>\u00a0social media accounts.<\/p>\n For the latest winter weather outlook, impacts, and city preparedness efforts, visit OEM\u2019s blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n