WILKES-BARRE — Mayor George C. Brown announced on Tuesday that the city will implement the “Code Blue” status due to extremely cold weather on Wednesday, March 20, and Thursday, March 21.
The Code Blue Emergency Shelter Program will be managed by Keystone Mission’s Blue Emergency Shelter, located at 90 E. Union St., Wilkes-Barre. During Code Blue, the shelter will be available for guests between 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. and will close at 7 a.m. the next morning.
The city helps oversee the program by deciding when a Code Blue is needed, letting the public know when it will be active, and having city staff try to inform the homeless about the start of a Code Blue.
The public is also informed about Code Blue situations by a blue light being turned on at Public Square in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
A Code Blue is put into effect when the National Weather Service predicts windchill temperatures of 20 degrees or lower, or when there is an expected snowfall of 10 inches or more.
Those interested in volunteering for the Code Blue Program or wanting more details about it should get in touch with Keystone Mission by calling 570-871-4795, Ext. 404, or by emailing [email protected].
