SCRANTON — Based on current cold weather information, the Lackawanna County Commissioners declared a “code blue” frigid weather alert.
Utilizing forecasts from the National Weather Service at Binghamton, N.Y., and in consultation with the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, a code blue was declared on Tuesday, Jan. 2, ending at noon Monday, Jan. 8.
A code blue alert is issued when the forecasted temperature (including wind chills) is expected to reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If necessary, based on weather conditions, an extension of the alert may be issued.
The goal of this notification is to make people aware of the extremely cold conditions, provide information related to health and wellness in the cold weather and publicize the locations of emergency homeless shelters that are operated by area social service agencies.
During an alert, homeless people can access an emergency shelter at the following locations:
St. Anthony’s Haven, 409 Olive St/, Scranton (hours: 7:30 p.m. to 8 a.m.)
Community Intervention Center, 445 No. 6th Ave., Scranton (hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Information on personal health and safety during freezing weather can be found on the Lackawanna County homepage by visiting lackawannacounty.org and clicking on the “Code Blue Alert” icon on the right side of the screen. Alerts will also be posted on the County’s social media outlets for the duration of the advisory period.
