Code Blue Alert In Somerset County: Warming Shelters Opened

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County has issued a Code Blue Alert as heavy rain, "dangerously cold" temperatures, intense winds and floods are expected ahead of Christmas.

The alert allows residents to come to warming shelters as needed and enables authorities to make shelter arrangements for homeless adults.

For those who need to seek shelter, check out this list of warming centers (available at soconj.gov/warmingcenters):

For those who require additional assistance, call the local municipal government during business hours, or call 211 after hours, during holidays, and on weekends.

The National Weather Service warns of rain and potential high winds through Saturday, and severely cold weather with potential wind chills below zero degrees through early next week. These storms could result in icing conditions, losses of power, and localized flooding.

"The end of year holidays is a great time to travel to be with friends and family, but in order to arrive safely we all need to be aware of the risks from severe weather," said Commissioner Doug Singleterry, liaison to Somerset County Public Health & Safety. "Even if you are staying at home, it is important to take care of each other, our pets, and to check on vulnerable neighbors to ensure we all have a wonderful, safe holiday."

OUTAGES

The Somerset County Commissioners is offering information to help residents be prepared for power outages. If residents experience a power, gas or water outage, notify the appropriate utility company as soon as possible.

JCP&L Emergency Number: 888-LIGHTS (1-888-544-4877)

• JCP&L Report Power Outages: https://www.firstenergycorp.com/content/customer/outages_help/Report_Power_Outages.html
• JCP&L Outage Map: http://outages.firstenergycorp.com/nj.html

PSE&G Emergency Number: 800-436-PSEG (7734)

• PSE&G Report Outage/Map: Text OUT to 4PSEG (47734) or visit https://nj.pseg.com/outageandgasleaks/duringanoutage/outageresources and click “Report Outage”

NJ AMERICAN WATER Emergency Number 1-800-272-1325

• To find alerts or report a loss of water, visit at https://emergency.amwater.com/ and click the links in the top left of the page

Tips for staying safe during a winter storm

• If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing.
• Be sure to have several clean masks to use in case your mask becomes wet or damp from snow.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
• Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow or walking in the snow.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• If it is safe to do so, check on elderly or infirm neighbors to ensure they are
• If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. If you have a health condition that is not immediately dangerous but requires medical care, contact your healthcare provider for further instructions and shelter in place, if possible.