With temperatures dropping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and wind chills reaching as low as 20 degrees, the city of Philadelphia activated a Code Blue alert. For this reason, we spoke with experts to help our community cope with this extreme cold.
PECO reported on the actions it is taking to ensure the safety of the electric service and to support the most vulnerable communities.
In an interview with Impacto, Candice Womer, a spokesperson for PECO, explained that the company activated special protocols to respond to the weather emergency. “Our company is aware that there is a Code Blue in the city and the nearby suburbs. What this means for us is that we can implement several measures,” she stated.
PECO announced that, due to the forecasted extreme cold, all non-urgent work that requires power outages has been canceled through Friday, with the possibility of extending the measure into next week. “We will reevaluate again on Friday and could extend this into next week if necessary,” Womer said.
According to the spokesperson, emergency work remains active and is focused on maintaining the integrity of the system and addressing outages that cannot be postponed. “If outages cannot be postponed, we work to reduce their duration as much as possible and notify customers,” she added.
Impact on energy consumption and support for residents
The increase in electricity bills during cold waves is a growing concern, especially for the Latino community, due to increased heating use. PECO confirmed that higher energy consumption can result in higher bills, even without changes to the thermostat.
In response, the company reminded residents that assistance programs are available, including the expansion of the Customer Relief Fund, which now offers one-time grants of $750 to more eligible customers, in addition to energy efficiency programs and state and federal assistance. PECO also recommended simple measures to reduce consumption, such as lowering the thermostat when not at home, avoiding heating unoccupied spaces, and taking advantage of sunlight during the day.
Safety and preparation for winter storms
PECO warned about the possibility of heavy snow in the coming days and reiterated that safety is its top priority. “Safety will always be our number one priority. If you see a downed power line, always treat that equipment as if it is energized and call us immediately,” Womer emphasized.
The company recommended preparing for possible outages by charging mobile devices, having flashlights, water, and basic food supplies, and staying informed through official channels. “We want our customers to know that we are here to help them,” the spokesperson concluded.
Our community feels unsafe
“With this cold and the Code Blue active, going out to work becomes very difficult. You go out of necessity, but with a lot of fear for your safety,” said José M., a resident of North Philadelphia.
“As a mother, I’m not going to let my children be out on the street in these temperatures. My concern now is how to protect them from the cold and how I’m going to pay the electric bill,” expressed María R., a resident of the Kensington area.
How to protect your health during extreme cold
“Code Blue is an alert for extreme cold that can be dangerous to health and requires additional precautions,” explained Dr. Torradas. According to the specialist, those at greatest risk during these events are “people experiencing homelessness, older adults, children, and those with chronic illnesses.”
Dr. Torradas stated that immediate medical attention should be sought when symptoms such as “difficulty breathing, chest pain, neurological changes, or visible frostbite injuries” appear.
Among the main risks of extreme cold, he mentioned hypothermia, frostbite—which can lead to the loss of fingers or limbs—as well as respiratory, cardiac, and neurological problems. Warning signs include “extreme fatigue, lethargy, dizziness, numbness, and pale or bluish skin that becomes hardened.”
For those without heating or housing, Dr. Torradas was emphatic: “It is essential to take advantage of municipal shelter services. These next few days will be the worst we have seen this season.” He also recommended dressing in three layers: “the first made of synthetic fabric or merino wool that does not absorb moisture, a second fleece or thermal layer, and on top, a waterproof jacket to protect against water and wind.”
Remember to seek information from organizations and professionals who are willing to help during this situation affecting the community. Stay safe!
