Code Blue Called In Essex County; ‘Extreme Cold Weather’ In Forecast

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County is rolling out a “Code Blue” alert for the weekend due to “extreme cold weather” in the forecast, officials said.

The Code Blue – which takes place when the temperature is predicted to drop to dangerous levels – will become active at 8 p.m. on Friday. It will last until 8 a.m. on Sunday.

According to county officials:

“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 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 do provide overnight accommodations. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice so people can stay indoors.”

See a list of participating shelters below, visit www.NJ211.org or dial 2-1-1.

“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,” DiVincenzo said.

“Our homeless residents need a warm place to stay when winter weather gets this bad,” agreed Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura. “The organizations opening their doors are providing a great service and helping us protect the safety of these vulnerable residents.”

• See Related: Essex County Leads NJ In Homelessness; See The Most Common Causes

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