New York City authorities activated Code Blue from Monday at 4:00 pm until Tuesday, November 23 at 8:00 am. It takes effect when temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, due to the conditions that the winter storm brings.
No homeless are denied access to shelters run by the Big Apple during Code Blue.
Authorities urged New Yorkers to call 3-1-1 to report homeless people exposed to freezing temperatures and to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. The city will send an outreach team to offer assistance.
Code Blue weather emergencies in New York City include the following options for the homeless:
- Shelters: During a Code Blue shelter is available throughout the system to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought into a shelter by outreach teams. Walk-ins are also available.
- Drop-in Centers: All Drop-In Centers are open 24 hours a day when Code Blue procedures are in effect and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Walk-ins can also make arrangements for the homeless at other facilities in the city.
- Homeless Outreach on the Street: Teams will contact vulnerable people on their Code Blue priority lists to ensure safety and take them to a shelter.
CODE BLUE IN NEW JERSEY
On the other hand, some parts of New Jersey also activated Code Blue, including Bergen County and Essex County. In New Jersey people can call 2-1-1 to report a homeless person in distress and to other numbers depending on the county. In addition, each county has a hotline for their authorities to help people who are at risk during a Code Blue. For information on these numbers by county and on help from homeless shelters during freezing temperatures visit this page.
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