Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Dr. Mark Wade are activating “Code Blue” from today, Tuesday, February 19, 2019, through Wednesday, February 20, 2019. Code Blue is called when temperatures reach 25°F or lower without precipitation or 32°F or lower with precipitation. Tomorrow’s weather forecast calls for snow beginning after noon with accumulations of 1-2 inches possible. Rain, snow, and sleet, are all predicted through 10 p.m. tomorrow night.
“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.
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.
The City offers the following tips onkeeping homes safe and coping with extreme winter weather:
The City of Newark Housing Code requires all property owners to supply heat from October 1 through May 1 between the hours of 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. at a minimum inside temperature of 68°F, and between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. at a minimum inside temperature of 65°F.To report no heat or hot water in your apartment, call the Division of Code Enforcement at (973) 733-6471.
Anyone with questions about the City’s heat ordinance or any other Newark municipal policy or program can contact the Newark Non-Emergency Call Center at (973)733-4311, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.