Code Blue Enacted In Essex County Through Wednesday: What It Means

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Essex County officials announced late Monday that Essex County’s Code Blue procedures are being activated "because of the weather forecast and the uncertainty of nighttime temperatures."

Essex County is enacting its Code Blue protocols from Monday, March 13 at 8 p.m. to Wednesday, March 15 at 8 a.m. at participating shelters. Visit www.nj211.org/codeblue for the list by county, or dial 211 for services.

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

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

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 may not provide overnight accommodations. However, 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.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for Essex County, saying a "significant coastal storm" will bring heavy rain, and possibly sleet or snow, to the area through Tuesday.

The storm may be part of a nor'easter expected to impact the area to the north. (See map here.)

Follow the updated forecasts here.