Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook have officially activated a citywide Code Red Hot Weather Emergency, effective from 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 6, through 8:00 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026.
With ambient temperatures climbing into the high 90s and humidity pushing the heat index as high as 100°F, municipal officials are urging all Newark residents—especially seniors, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions—to take immediate precautions against heat-related illnesses.
Adding to the severe heat, Newark’s Air Quality Index (AQI) is projected to reach 105, signaling unhealthy air conditions for sensitive groups. The combination of extreme heat and stagnant air increases ground-level ozone and particulate pollution. Residents with asthma, heart or lung disease, as well as older adults and children, are strongly advised to limit outdoor exertion.
Emergency Outreach and Unhoused Support
The City’s Office of Homeless Services and Street Outreach Teams are canvassing all five wards seven days a week, offering unsheltered residents transportation to air-conditioned emergency shelters, drop-in centers, and cooling sites.
Residents who see an unsheltered individual in need of non-emergency support can immediately request an outreach team by texting “Path Home” to 855-11. For direct shelter inquiries, residents can call the Office of Homeless Services at (973) 877-9482 (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or visit the following drop-in centers:
- Bridges Outreach (Project Connect): 35 Halsey Street | (973) 723-2307
- Better Life: 101 14th Avenue | (862) 229-1400 ext. 6123
- NJCRI – Crossroads: 393 Central Avenue | (973) 483-3444
- Newark Emergency Services: 982 Broad Street | (973) 639-2100
Ward-by-Ward Cooling Centers
City-operated cooling centers are open across every ward to ensure all residents have access to air-conditioned spaces. Residents can also call (973) 733-4311 to locate the nearest open facility.
Senior Citizen Cooling Centers (Seniors Only)
| Ward | Center Name | Address | Operating Hours | Contact |
| Central | Bethany Senior Citizen Center | 275 W. Market St. (Entrance: 58 Hartford St.) | Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM | (973) 733-5739 |
| East | Ironbound Senior Citizen Center | 226 Rome Street | Mon–Fri: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM | (862) 285-8574 |
| West | Boylan Senior Citizen Center | 916 South Orange Avenue | Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM | (973) 518-6115 |
| North | Vince Lombardi Senior Center | 201 Bloomfield Avenue | Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 8:00 PM | (973) 482-5439 |
| South | Nellie Grier Senior Citizen Center | 98-104 Maple Avenue | Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | (973) 424-4096 |
Community Recreation Cooling Centers (Open to All Residents)
| Ward | Recreation Center | Address | Operating Hours | Contact |
| Central | JFK Recreation Center | 211 W. Kinney St. (Entrance on Howard St.) | Tue–Fri: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | (973) 789-7007 |
| Central | Hayes Park West | 179 Boyd Street | Mon–Fri: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM | (973) 733-3959 |
| East | Sharpe James/Kenneth A. Gibson Center | 226 Rome Street | Mon–Fri: 9:30 AM – 8:30 PM Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | (973) 733-3707 |
| North | Vince Lombardi Center of Hope | 201 Bloomfield Avenue | Mon–Fri: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | (201) 306-7517 |
| North | Rotunda Recreation Center | 75 Clifton Avenue | Tue–Fri: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | (973) 733-3677 |
| South | St. Peter’s / Bo Porter Sports Complex | 378 Lyons Avenue | Mon–Fri: 11:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | (973) 733-8006 |
| South | Temple of Hip Hop | 55 Ludlow Street | Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | (973) 207-0317 |
| West | Boylan Recreation Center | 916 South Orange Avenue | Tue–Fri: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM Sat: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM | (973) 733-8947 |
Shaded Parks and Neighborhood Cooling Amenities
The Newark Office of Sustainability, Resilience, and Community Transformation encourages residents seeking outdoor shade and hydration to take advantage of neighborhood public parks featuring splash pads, mature tree canopies, public restrooms, and drinking fountains:
- Central & East Wards: Military Park, Independence Park, Riverfront Park, Chamblee Square Park, Riverbank Park.
- North & West Wards: Branch Brook Park, 1st Street Park, Kaboom Park.
- South Ward: Weequahic Park, Nat Turner Park.
Vital Heat Safety and Health Guidelines
The Health Department outlines essential steps for all residents during a Code Red emergency:
- Hydrate Constantly: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcoholic, sugary, or caffeinated beverages. (Consult a physician first if on fluid restrictions).
- Avoid Sun Hours: Limit outdoor and strenuous physical activity during peak sun hours between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If outdoor work is unavoidable, schedule it during early morning hours (4:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.).
- Protective Clothing: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen to exposed skin.
- Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars: Interior vehicle temperatures can reach fatal levels in minutes, even with windows cracked open.
- Pet Safety: Protect paw pads from hot asphalt. Provide pets with continuous fresh water, keep flat-faced breeds (like pugs or bulldogs) in air-conditioned spaces, and ensure window screens are secured to prevent falls.
Recognizing Heat Illness & When to Call 911
Prolonged exposure to severe heat can trigger heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Call 911 immediately if you or someone nearby exhibits two or more of the following warning signs:
- Hot, dry skin OR cold, clammy skin
- Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness
- Rapid heartbeat or trouble breathing
- Severe nausea and vomiting
Residents are encouraged to check on elderly neighbors, isolated individuals, and families with young children throughout the duration of the Code Red alert.
