Dangerous Cold Grips Philadelphia Region
By Jim Melwert
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Dangerously cold temperatures that reached near-record lows gripped the Philadelphia region Monday morning.
Being outside for even a few minutes was long enough for fingertips and ears to start burning from the chill. But some people had no choice but to spend the morning outside, including those working with a construction crew on the campus of Temple University.
"It's never been this cold before," said Frank Mirigliani. "I've been through a lot of winters. It's as cold as I can remember. Things don't want to move, my body doesn't want to move, my arms. my legs. It's really cold, man!"
Single digit temperatures were aided by a stinging, biting wind that sucks the breath out of you and makes your eyes water. Others forced to work outside were prepared for it and ready to deal with it.
"That's why you double up your clothes, put a lot of Vaseline on your face," said John Hightower. "Double long-johns, double long-john shirt, double jackets, hoodies, hats, double gloves."
A Code Blue is in effect and the city is urging anyone who sees a homeless person to call Project Home's homeless outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.
