'Code Blue' Shelters Open In Newark, Montclair, Irvington, East Orange

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County has declared a “Code Blue” alert ahead of a frigid winter weather forecast.

County officials announced the alert on Friday. It will become active (during nighttime hours only) at 8 p.m. on Saturday. The Code Blue will last until 8 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20.

According to a news release from the county, the Code Blue is being activated because the temperature is forecasted to drop below 32 degrees and there is a potential for a snowstorm.

Shelters and warming stations will be opened in Newark, Montclair, Irvington and East Orange (see the list below or visit www.nj211.org).

County officials noted:

“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.”

“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,” he added.

“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.”

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