Essex County Code Blue: Homeless Residents Offered Shelter From Cold

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County authorities will activate "Code Blue" procedures to protect local homeless residents on Wednesday, Feb. 8, due to extreme cold weather and snow in the forecast. The Code Blue will be in effect from 4 p.m. on Wednesday to 9 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 10, officials announced.

“Providing our homeless residents with a warm place to stay during extreme weather conditions is important for their safety and well-being," Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said. "We thank our participating shelters and warming stations who are working with us to open their doors in these times of need."

According to a county news release, conditions for a Code Blue are defined as when the temperature drops below 15 degrees for a 48-hour period or when the wind chill is below zero degrees. When those conditions are met, or when the weather forecast predicts these conditions, the County Executive can proclaim a Code Blue and enact the procedure.

When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the County and its municipalities and shelters operated by the community based organizations will be opened. The warming stations identified include Essex County Codey Arena and a variety of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings. Warming stations are generally opened during the day and may not provide overnight accommodations. Shelters provide overnight accommodations. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice so people can stay indoors.

A list of available warming stations and shelters is available on www.NJ211.org and available by dialing 2-1-1.

File Photo: Loretta Calabres