DHS ‘CODE BLUE’ EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
PROTECTS THOSE SEEKING SHELTER DUE TO WINTER WEATHER 

 Increased street outreach to be on hand for low temperature times

November 18, 2008 - New York City’s Department of Homeless Services (DHS) will utilize its Cold Weather Emergency Procedure, called Code Blue, again this winter to protect unsheltered homeless, who are more at risk for exposure deaths during the cold winter months. The Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency Procedure can be called by DHS at Level 1, when the temperature drops to 32 degrees, or Level 2, when the temperature drops to 20 degrees with wind chill or is 32 degrees or less with heavy and consistent precipitation for at least an hour. A Code Blue alert also will be issued when a combination of any of the following factors exists:  Snow is greater than six inches, the high temperature is below 15 degrees (F) for a 48-hour period, there is a wind chill below 0 degrees (F), there are sustained winds of more than four miles per hour, ice storm or freezing rain conditions are present, or there is moderate coastal flooding.

“Extreme cold weather can lead to deaths.  We need to make sure that the neediest New Yorkers are protected in severe weather,” said DHS Commissioner Robert V. Hess. “During these temperature drops, street outreach teams amplify their services to get more workers on the streets bringing in homeless individuals from the cold.  The Code Blue emergency procedure can protect the most vulnerable New Yorkers.”

Concerned New Yorkers also can help. If someone on the street looks like they need assistance, concerned citizens should call 311. Outreach workers will be dispatched to check on that person. In an emergency, dial 911.

The Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency Procedure instructs outreach workers to:

• identify and regularly monitor clients that may be at risk during cold weather
• assist at-risk clients to voluntarily come indoors
• perform clinical assessments and coordinate involuntary transport of at-risk clients to psychiatric emergency rooms, when appropriate
• engage at-risk clients in accessing resources such as warming buses or warming centers

NYC Street to Home outreach workers are out on the streets 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in all five boroughs, engaging unsheltered homeless individuals. However during a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency, teams attempt to reach clients who particularly are vulnerable to the elements of the weather, encouraging them to come inside for a warm meal and shelter. They are trained to look for signs of distress including frostbite or hypothermia. Symptoms include slurred speech, shallow breathing, skin discoloration, blisters and waxy feeling skin, among others. Teams make every effort to secure clients’ cooperation with voluntary transport indoors. Hospitals accommodate clients, as requested, in Emergency Department waiting rooms. If outreach teams are concerned about an individual’s safety, they will call for the Mobile Crisis Team, which will evaluate the individual and call EMS and NYPD for involuntary transport.

During a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency, indoor options include the following:

Safe Havens
A Safe Haven is a low-threshold alternative to shelter with more privacy, fewer rules and a focus on harm reduction and restructured lifestyle. These facilities are typically accepted by those clients who are most resistant to accepting housing and have been extremely effective in assisting reducing the street homeless population.

Shelters
During an Emergency, clients can access any shelter. Beds are available system-wide to accommodate all clients brought in by outreach teams or walk-ins.

Drop-In Centers
Drop-In Centers are required to take in as many clients as possible, within fire and health code limitations. Drop-In staff also can make arrangements for clients at other citywide facilities.