Alert: Sussex shelters open as state declares Code Purple
The state has declared a Code Purple alert as a polar vortex descends on the region.
From Wednesday night through Thursday, officials say wind chills across the state are expected to drop below zero, with overnight lows through Friday expected in the teens. Under these conditions, public health officials say, the risk for frostbite and/or hypothermia increases after even a short time outside.
“The below-zero wind chills coming to Delaware will mean dangerous conditions outside,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a board-certified family physician. “We encourage anyone without a place to go to find a spot at a Code Purple shelter.”
In Sussex County, there are separate Code Purple volunteer organizations for western Sussex and eastern Sussex, but shelters are available now. In eastern Sussex, Code Purple already is being observed seven days a week until spring at Immanuel Shelter, 37439 Oyster House Road, Rehoboth Beach. The shelter serves men and women. For more information, call 1-888-634-9992.
In western Sussex, a collection of churches are also open each night now through March 15, regardless of temperature. Separate shelters are operated for men and for women (with or without children). For information, call the Code Purple Hotline at 302-519-0024.
Code Purple resources are available by calling 211, the Delaware Housing Alliance’s Centralized Intake Line at 1-833-FIND-BED (833-346-3233), or at www.delaware211.org.
