Essex County Declares ‘Code Blue,’ Cold Snap In Weather Forecast

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — UPDATE: The Code Blue in Essex County has been extended to 8 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. Our original article follows below.

Essex County is declaring a “Code Blue” alert for Dec. 12 to Dec. 14 due to a frigid weather forecast, authorities announced Thursday.

With temperatures expected to drop below 32 degrees, the county is rolling out a Code Blue that will take effect at 8 p.m. on Thursday and last until 8 a.m. on Saturday. It will be in effect for nighttime hours only.

Here’s what the alert means, according to county officials:

“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.”

A list of participating shelters is copied below or can be viewed by visiting www.NJ211.org or dialing 2-1-1.

“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,” DiVincenzo added.

“Our homeless residents need a warm place to stay when winter weather gets this bad,” Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura agreed.

“The organizations opening their doors are providing a great service and helping us protect the safety of these vulnerable residents,” he said.

• See Related: Homelessness Is Surging In Essex County, Latest Data Shows

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