NEW YORK — New York City authorities have activated Code Blue Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. Monday, Nov. 21, which goes into effect when temperatures drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
No homeless people are denied access to city-run shelters during Code Blue.
Officials have urged New Yorkers to call 3-1-1 to report homeless people exposed to the freezing temperatures and to call 9-1-1 in an emergency. The city will send an outreach team to offer help.
Code Blue weather emergencies in New York City include the following options for the homeless:
- Shelters: A system-wide shelter is available during a Code Blue to accommodate anyone reasonably thought to be homeless who is taken to a shelter by outreach teams. Walk-in accommodations are also available.
- Shelters: All shelters are open 24 hours when Code Blue procedures are in place and will help as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Walk-in staff can also make homeless arrangements at other facilities in the city.
- Street Homeless Outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable people on their Code Blue priority lists to ensure safety and take them to a shelter.
On the other hand, parts of New Jersey have also activated Code Blue, including Essex and Hudson counties. In New Jersey people can call 2-1-1 to report a homeless person in danger and other numbers depending on the county. Additionally, each county has a hotline for their authorities to help people who are at risk during a Code Blue. For information on these phone by county and help from homeless shelters during freezing temperatures visit this page.
