Weather forecasters are warning residents that they shouldn’t get used to the mild “sweatshirt weather” we’ve been enjoying in December.

Come January, temperatures will drop, and there will be multiple chances for snow and freezing temperatures.

No matter when temperatures drop below freezing, or when we get socked by a Nor’easter, Delaware County Council wants residents to be prepared.

Council reminds residents that various county agencies offer additional supports to the homeless, elderly, and vulnerable residents when harsh, freezing conditions take place during winter months.

Councilman Dave White detailed the agencies that assist people year-round and during extreme weather conditions:

• The Delaware County Division of Adult and Family Services of the Office of Behavioral Health partners with various agencies to offer additional services through the Homeless Services Coalition of Delaware County. They also provide a winter shelter directory that is distributed to police, municipalities, school districts, and other officials.
• The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) extends outreach to senior citizens, including having case managers check on seniors who may be vulnerable. Tips on how to stay warm and safe during winter’s cold weather are available on COSA’s informational weatherline at (610) 872-1558.
• The County Department of Intercommunity Health provides information to help people avoid medical emergencies, such as hypothermia and frost bite, during Code Blue conditions.
• Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC) is the county’s anti-poverty agency that can assist economically disadvantaged households.

“Delaware County has many programs that assist people year-round, but we want to stress that extra precautions are taking place during the winter months,” said White. “We especially want our local police and social services agencies to know about these resources as they come in contact with residents who might need help.”