‘Code Blue’ Continues In Essex County, Cold Weather In Forecast

UPDATE: The county has extended its Code Blue alert through Friday, Dec. 12 at 8 a.m. Our original article follows below.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A “Code Blue” will remain in effect in Essex County this week amid a cold winter weather snap.

The county recently announced that it will enact a Code Blue alert from 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1 to 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9. The declaration is for nighttime hours (8 p.m. to 8 a.m. only).

Code Blue protocols are enacted when the temperature is forecasted to drop below 32 degrees or due to inclement weather. Here’s what it means for local residents, county officials explain:

“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.”

Get a list of participating shelters below, at www.NJ211.org or by dialing 2-1-1.

“The cold temperatures and inclement winter weather puts the health and safety of our homeless residents are risk,” Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones said.

“We thank our participating shelters and warming stations who are working with us to open their doors in these times of need,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

• See Related: Homelessness Down Slightly In Essex County, Latest Data Shows

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