January 18, 2016
NEW YORK—Tonight, we will see temperatures in the mid to low teens, with a low wind chill near zero degrees. Temperatures tonight and tomorrow will remain below freezing, triggering Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Code Blue Warning. The Mayor urges all New Yorkers to stay warm and call 311 to help anyone at risk, especially those living on the street.
“The City is using every resource at its disposal to reach vulnerable individuals, including our recently implemented HOME-STAT effort,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Today’s Code Blue should be a reminder for all New Yorkers to dress warmly and take precaution when outdoors. We also encourage New Yorkers to do their part and call 911 or 311 if they see people in need of assistance.”
A Code Blue Warning is triggered when temperatures reach 32 degrees or lower and requires shelter access to anyone in need of assistance. During a Code Blue, the Department of Homeless Services and the New York City Police Department focus on clients on their vulnerable lists and work to contact them once every four hours to give them proper assistance. In conjunction, the recently implemented HOME-STAT effort will further the city’s outreach to protect homeless individuals from the frigid weather.
During Code Blue nights this year, the City has made over 300 placements from streets to shelters or hospitals, including four individuals involuntarily taken to hospitals.
New Yorkers should call 911 if they see someone in need of medical assistance, and 311 to have a HOME-STAT outreach team engage a homeless individual about going to a shelter and receiving homelessness services.
A Code Blue Weather Emergency includes the following options for the homeless:
New Yorkers are also encouraged to take the following steps during cold weather:
New Yorkers can sign up for NotifyNYC alerts at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC for the latest news on services affected by the dip in temperatures. Information is also available by calling 311.
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