Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Dr. Mark Wade announce that “Code Blue” will be activated this week through Saturday, February 2nd.
Officials say Code Blue Alert is activated when temperatures reach 25°F or lower without precipitation or 32°F or lower with precipitation.
Scattered snow showers are expected today, with wind chill values between 0◦ and 10◦ F. High wind gusts are also predicted. Tonight, temperatures are expected to fall to the single digits, with wind chill values between -5◦ and -15◦ F.
Tomorrow, a high of 15◦ F is expected with wind chills between -5◦ and -15◦ F. Thursday night’s temperatures will remain in the single digits with wind chill values between -5◦ and -0◦ F.
“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 reminds residents of the hazards of cold weather. “Several layers of warm clothing and protection against moisture and wind are important. 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.
“Residents should take measures to ensure their safety at home and when outside of their home,” says Director Wade.
“Police will provide assistance to the homeless and others in need of shelter during this cold snap,” Director Ambrose said. “We urge residents to use safety precautions when utilizing space heaters, wood stoves or fireplaces and to avoid overloading electric outlets to prevent fires during this extremely cold weather.”
The city reminds residents that there are a number of homeless shelters that have partnered with the city to provide emergency shelter, 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.