Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Dr. Mark Wade is activating “Code Blue” for this week and into the weekend, starting today, Tuesday, January 29, through Saturday, February 2. This is already the third “Code Blue” activation this year.  Code Blue is called when temperatures reach 25°F or lower without precipitation or 32°F or lower with precipitation.

“I urge our residents to take precautions to keep their homes safe and be safe when they are out and about, and to check on their neighbors, especially the disabled, children, and the elderly,” said Mayor Baraka.

In addition, Mayor Baraka reminded residents of the hazards of cold weather. “Several layers of warm clothing and protection against moisture and wind are important, even though weather may not seem to threaten cold injury. Gloves and socks should be kept as dry as possible. Insulated boots that do not obstruct circulation are essential in very cold weather. Warm head covering is particularly important, since 30 percent of heat loss is from the head,” he said.

“We are expected to see some snow showers on Tuesday into Wednesday as well as endure temperatures as low as 3°F with a wind chill of -16°F. Residents should take measures to ensure their safety at home and when outside of their home,” says Director Wade.

The City would also like to remind residents that there are a number of homeless shelters operating during the extreme cold weather that have partnered with the City to provide emergency sheltering, including Code Blue sheltering. For more information about sheltering services, contact the shelters listed below or the Division of Social/Homeless Services at (973) 877- 9484, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or (609) 439-5210 after regular business hours. For any other public health emergencies during Code Blue, call the Department of Health and Community Wellness on-call service at 973-733-7592.

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