How can I prevent a utility shutoff during the winter months?
As more Americans struggle to pay their utility bills, here’s how Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are protecting ratepayers during the winter months.
2 months ago
File photo: A person, reflected in a window while wearing a face mask during a winter storm in Philadelphia, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
During extremely cold weather — when temperatures feel near or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or when there is precipitation and the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower — Philadelphia officials will declare a Code Blue.
What does that mean for Philly residents?
During a Code Blue event, the city implements special measures to keep people who are experiencing homelessness safe. Those measures include 24-hour outreach to find unhoused people and transport them to safe indoor spaces and opening all available beds within the city’s emergency housing network for those in need.
People experiencing homelessness may go to a city-funded homeless intake center for help.
During an Enhanced Code Blue, Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management makes available an interactive map that shows warming centers in each City Council district.
People experiencing homelessness may go to a city-funded homeless intake center for help, though such centers are closed during snow emergencies, on holidays and on the weekends.
After-hour intake centers stay open 24/7 when the city has declared a snow emergency.
If an Enhanced Code Blue is in effect, residents may check the city’s map of warming centers. City officials encourage residents to check the map before traveling to one to account for any location or schedule changes.
Warming centers accept walk-ins. Rides may also be arranged by calling 215-232-1984.
If residents see a person who appears to be unhoused during a Code Blue, they are urged to contact the city’s Homeless Outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.
Residents concerned about an older adult during extremely cold weather are urged to contact Philadelphia Corporation for Aging at 215-765-9040.
Plenty of nonprofits and mutual aid groups collect donations, both monetary and physical, to help people in need. Those include the below:
PPP, a nonprofit that offers harm reduction services throughout Philly and the surrounding area, can provide people facing homelessness or housing instability with information on how to access emergency resources, including homeless outreach and shelter. Monetary donations can be made online. PPP’s emergency shelter, Beacon House, consistently needs hygiene supplies as well as bedding, pillows, and blankets. Those interested in donating items to Beacon House may email dale@ppponline.org.
The mutual aid group, which serves the Kensington and Philadelphia community, accepts donations of clothes (e.g. hats, gloves, outerwear), non-perishable food, cleaning products, and hygiene supplies. For updates on what the group currently needs most, check out CARP’s Instagram. Items can be dropped off at the group’s supply hub on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. Monetary donations can be made online.
During Code Blue events, all dogs must be either indoors or have access to shelter that meets the following requirements:
Violations of the city ordinance may result in penalties of $500 or more.
If residents see a pet outside during a Code Blue, they are urged to contact Philadelphia’s Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT) at 267-385-3800 and dial 1 to speak with the dispatcher. Residents may also file a report online with all of the available information.
ACCT also provides free straw for caretakers or owners of pets and community cats who spend most or all of their time outdoors.
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