Preparing for extreme winter conditions in town
By: Krystal Nurse
Tags: Winter, Weather, Law, Homelessness, Snow

Preparing for extreme winter conditions in town

By KRYSTAL NURSE

The Sun

When it gets below freezing in Harrison Township, some residents may recall hearing about a “Code Blue” being activated. While it is largely handled by Gloucester County, the township does have a few reminders for residents as winter storms and frigid temperatures enter in the area.

“A Code Blue Alert is declared whenever temperatures drop below the freezing point (32 degrees) and weather conditions pose a danger to the homeless population,” said Debra Selitto, county spokeswoman. “The Code Blue Alert allows authorities to take homeless people to local shelters or other agencies, known as warming centers.”

The designated warming center in Harrison Township is the Mullica Hill Branch Library (389 Wolfert Station Road), which is open Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Notification is given to the residents about an active Code Blue through the county’s social media pages by the office of emergency management, as well as through Harrison Township’s pages and Mullica HI’ll Connect email newsletter.

Gloucester County has a hotline (800–648–0132) residents can contact if they are in need of assistance or have questions. The line, Selitto added, is staffed 24 hours every day throughout the week and is toll-free.

In Harrison Township, Township Administrator Mark Gravinese said when a Code Blue is put in place, the township works around the clock with the county to make sure residents are aware of what’s occurring, and how they can be mindful of the extreme cold weather.

“The main thing would be to make sure that no one is outside during it so they’re given a warm place and food,” said Gravinese. Your Place At The Table is the township’s main resource for food, if the need arises, during a Code Blue situation.

For residents who own pets, Gravinese said the township strictly enforces county-level and local laws in regard to keeping dogs indoors when a Code Blue is in place for more than four consecutive hours in a weatherproof shelter with food and water.

“We don’t have people going around to patrol for those violations,” said Gravinese. “The county has animal control who will enforce it.”

If residents think one of their neighbors is in violation of the law, Gravinese added they would need to call the construction office at (856) 478–6522 and explain what they believe is occurring and the office will relay the information to the county or police if it is severe.

Public works is also reminding residents of the following in the event of a snowstorm:

Sidewalks must be cleared within 24 hours following the end of the storm;

No parking will be permitted on either side of any township street when snow has accumulated on streets until they’ve been plowed. Parked vehicles may be removed at the cost of the vehicle owner;

If a snowstorm occurs on trash and recycling days, residents are encouraged to check the township’s website (www.HarrisonTwp.US) for information on if, or when, pick up is rescheduled;

Residents are encouraged to remain patient while public works plows the town. Depending on the impact of a storm, the whole town will be plowed eight to 12 hours after the final snowfall; and

If a storm is expected to impact the area greatly, residents are urged to restrict travel to allow for emergency responders or key personnel to utilize the roadways.

Following a snowstorm, drivers are required, by the state, to remove all ice and snow prior to driving. Fines can range from $25 to $75 for each offense. If the snow or ice flies off and causes property damage, fines are $200 to $1,000 for each offense.

Residents who may have concerns or questions regarding snow can contact the public works department at (856) 223–1308.