SUSSEX COUNTY, Del.- As temperatures become dangerously low, advocates and experts are asking people to stay safe and warm in the next 24 hours.
Code Purple coordinator Susan Kent says they are seeking volunteers to help with their warm weather shelters, and some are going outside to ensure everyone has a warm place to sleep tonight.
"They're actually counting the homeless in the woods and in encampments that will be an encouragement to get people to come into the shelter tonight," she tells WRDE.
To learn more about Code Purple or to volunteer, click here. To volunteer with the Immanuel Shelter, call 1-888-634-9992 or visit their website.
Animals are also at risk during freezing temperatures. Chris Farrell with the Brandywine Valley SPCA asks that pet owners take extra precautions overnight.
"Walks should probably be a little bit shorter. If it's too cold for you outside, it's probably too cold for your pet outside," he says. "For the dogs who do live outside, make sure they have proper bedding some kind of doghouse some place to stay out of the elements as much as possible."
For tips on winterizing your home and preventing issues like frozen pipes, visit the Chesapeake Utilities website or the Tidewater Utilities website.