Essex County Activates Code Blue For 2nd Time In A Month – West Orange, NJ Patch

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — There’s a “Code Blue” in effect for the vulnerable and homeless residents of Essex County from Jan. 17 to 22, officials announced Thursday. It’s the second time this month that the county has issued a Code Blue because of extreme cold weather and snow in the forecast.

According to a news release, 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 Essex County Codey Arena and a variety of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings.

Officials said that 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 available warming stations and shelters is available at NJ211.org or by 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.”

Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura said that the county’s 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,” Fontoura said.

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