Code Blue Extended In Morris County Due To Icy Temperatures

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Although it seems like the worst of this winter storm is behind us, the official code blue weather alert has been extended through Thursday night.

According to the National Weather Service, a low of 19 degrees is predicted in Morris County Tuesday night, and a low in the mid-'20s is expected on both Wednesday and Thursday nights.

In Morris County, a code blue declaration is issued when dangerously cold weather threatens individuals or families without shelter. The county provides short-term sheltering in clean, safe locations during the declaration.

An icy winter storm passed through the county last week, causing power outages and hazardous driving conditions. Although forecasters do not expect similar wind concerns this week, residents are advised to exercise caution.

Those seeking shelter in a warming center should contact their local municipality for more details.

According to NJ211, warming center services are available all throughout Morris County. To find the center closest to you, click here.

Officials have provided the following recommendations for staying safe and coping with extreme winter weather:

• Identify the locations for the main water shutoff in your home. Find out how it works in case you have to use it.
• 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.
• 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