Code Blue continues in Essex County, cold weather forecast

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ – A Code Blue warning will remain in effect in Essex County this week due to a localized cold snap.

Code Blues occur in Essex County when the temperature is expected to drop below 32 degrees. The last warning began on November 29th. It lasts until Saturday, December 7th, 8 a.m.

The warning only applies to nighttime hours, officials noted.

Here’s what district officials say you should know:

“When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the county and its municipalities, as well as emergency shelters operated by community-based organizations, will open. The identified warming stations include various public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, fire stations and first aid squad buildings. Warming stations are typically open during the day and may not provide overnight accommodations. Animal shelters offer overnight accommodations. Additionally, shelters that require residents to leave home regularly during the day will stop this practice to allow people to remain indoors.”

A list of participating shelters is copied below or can be found at www.NJ211.org or by calling 2-1-1.

“Providing our homeless residents with warm shelter during extreme weather conditions is important for their safety and well-being,” said Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr..

“We thank our participating shelters and warming stations who are partnering with us to open their doors during this time of need,” DiVincenzo added.

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

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

Send local news tips and correction requests to [email protected]. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Learn how to post announcements or events to your local patch site.