With frigid air moving into the area, bringing forecasted wind chills in the teens and below, Cecil County Health Officer Lauren Levy has issued a Code Blue Extreme Weather Alert for Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 5 p.m., anticipated to last through Tuesday, Jan. 23.

Based on the current weather forecast, temperatures will be at or below 13°F, including the wind chill. Precautions should be taken to avoid cold-related injury. The Code Blue Extreme Weather Alert means there is an elevated risk for cold-related injuries and even death for people exposed to extreme cold temperatures. Members of the public are advised to avoid outdoor activities and remain sheltered during this period of extreme weather. Pet owners should also remember to bring pets inside. If you cannot bring your pet inside, make sure they have fresh, unfrozen water to drink and a shelter with adequate warmth. Do not leave your pets in a car in cold weather.

People who do not have access to shelter may contact the Coordinated Entry Line for Homelessness Services, managed by Meeting Ground, at 410-996-3096, between 8 a.m – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. During weekends, holidays, or outside of business hours, the on-call caseworker at the Cecil County Department of Social Services may be contacted at 410-996-5350 for assistance. Please choose the prompt for reporting child abuse or neglect in order to reach the on-call worker.