Bitter cold prompts Code Blue in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Extremely cold temperatures and equally intense winds are prompting code blue alerts in Philadelphia. The bitter cold is expected to stick around for a few days.

City of Philadelphia officials made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon.

MORE: Code Blue information for Philadelphia

Officials encourage anyone who sees a person living on the street to call Homeless Outreach at 215-232-1984 and report the sighting. Homeless outreach teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

"It is against City ordinance to leave pets outside during a Code Blue without proper shelter; owners can face fines up to $500," officials also tweeted.

If anyone sees a dog or other animal outside in the extreme cold they are urged to call the Animal Care & Control Team (ACCT) at 267-385-3800.

Download the FOX 29 Weather Authority App to keep up with the latest forecast.