URGENT UPDATE: Wilkes-Barre City has declared a Code Blue for homeless individuals starting Monday night at 7 p.m. and lasting until 7 a.m. Tuesday, as extreme sub-freezing temperatures grip the region. Mayor George C. Brown confirmed this critical announcement as forecasters predict dangerous windchills plunging below zero in the coming days.
The city’s designated Code Blue shelter is located at Calvary Bible Church, 410 S. River St. This shelter will provide a warm refuge amid forecasts of windchill temperatures dipping to an alarming 17 degrees below zero early Friday morning. The need for shelter is urgent, with the National Weather Service issuing warnings for windchill temperatures of 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
To alert the public, the lights on Public Square will change to blue whenever a Code Blue is activated, ensuring community awareness. Additional Code Blue dates are expected to be announced later this week, emphasizing the city’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations during severe weather.
On Wednesdays, the shelter usually opens at 9 p.m. due to church events. However, this Wednesday coincides with New Year’s Eve, allowing for an earlier opening at 7 p.m. as the regular event has been canceled.
Volunteers are essential for the success of the Code Blue initiative. Interested individuals can reach out to Pastor Sam Garnett at 570-824-5868 or via email at [email protected] to offer assistance.
As temperatures continue to plummet, it is vital for community members to stay informed and offer support where possible. Stay tuned for further updates as the city navigates this challenging weather situation.
