The city’s Office of Homeless Services has elevated Philadelphia’s current Code Blue 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.
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.
More than a dozen warming centers 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.
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.
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.
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.
Warming centers accept walk-ins. People living outdoors who need transportation can call the city’s Homeless Outreach Hotline at 215-232-1984 to request a ride.
For the latest winter weather outlook, impacts, and city preparedness efforts, visit OEM’s blog.
