Code Blue In Newark: Shelters Will Be Open, Cold Weather In Forecast

NEWARK, NJ — Newark is activating a "Code Blue" alert for Wednesday, Dec. 21. Officials are advising local residents to take cold weather precautions if temperatures drop.

According to a statement from city officials:

"Mayor Ras Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Alsbrook are activating Code Blue for tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 21. During this period, temperatures are expected to drop to a low of 25 degrees."

Code Blues are called in Newark when temperatures are predicted to reach 25 degrees or lower without precipitation, 32 degrees with precipitation, or when there is a wind chill factor of zero degrees.

Recently, Code Blues were called in Newark on Nov. 21 and Dec. 13.

City officials reminded residents that there will be emergency shelters operating during the extreme cold weather, which also partner with social service agencies. For more information, 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 also gave the following tips on how to keep homes safe and cope with extreme winter weather:

• 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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