Philadelphia declares Code Blue due to frigid temperatures

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Volunteers and officials around our area were out Monday night to help those in need.

Temperatures in the teens have Helena Boyle on duty.

She and her team are with Pennsylvania Hospital's Hall Mercer Mental Health Outreach.

They're warning those who sleep on Philadelphia's streets of the dangerous dip.

"It dipped so quickly, it's almost like your shocking your body. 'Oh, it's not that cold out, I'll be alright.' You don't know that, you don't know if you're going to wake up and that's dangerous," Boyle said.

City Hall has declared a Code Blue, which means the city can take measures to protect the lives of homeless people.

Warming center, New Life Ministries in Camden, is also ready to help.

"When the people come off the streets, they'll have a warm cot with blankets and a place to sleep for the night," Pastor Dana Green said.

Monday's arctic blast is the first of the year and those on the streets are most in danger.

"So it's really important to stress the importance of just going in the shelter for just one night because it's cold tonight, let's deal with tonight," Boyle said.

Anyone seeing someone in need outside in the cold to call the city's Code Blue Response Hotline at 215-232-1984.

Overnight drop-in centers:

Each cafe is open every night during the winter from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

- The Grace Caf (55 North Broad Street)

- 315 South Caf (315 South Broad Street

- St. John's Hospice Caf (1221 Race Street)