‘Code Blue’ In Newark: Shelters Open If Cold Weather Hits This Week

NEWARK, NJ — Newark officials are activating a “Code Blue” in the city ahead of a forecasted winter cold snap.

The Code Blue alert will be in effect from Thursday, Jan. 4 to Tuesday, Jan. 9. During this period, temperatures are expected to drop to a low of 24 degrees, city officials noted. Read More: Winter Storm Approaches NJ: New Forecast Released

Code Blue alerts in Newark are called when temperatures reach 32 degrees or when there is a wind chill factor of zero degrees. Residents should be extra cautious during this kind of extreme cold weather, authorities said.

Emergency shelters will be open to people experiencing homelessness and other in need during the Code Blue alert. For more information about sheltering services, contact the shelters listed below or the Office of Homeless Services at: (973) 877-9481, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

City officials offered several safety tips for local residents. They include:

• Keep the house heated to a minimum of 68°F. The temperatures inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 68°F will not keep the inside walls from freezing.
• Identify the locations for the main water shutoff in your home. Find out how it works in case you have to use it.
• Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. Keeping water moving within the pipes will prevent them from freezing.
• Check on seniors to make sure that they are warm and dry.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• Check all windows and doors for drafts. Place plastic if you feel a draft.
• Do not leave space heaters unattended.
• Do not use generators indoors.
• It is illegal to use kerosene heaters indoors.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Take inventory of emergency items.

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