Warming centers open due to frigid weather

Essex County’s Code Blue procedures are being activated because extreme cold weather is in the forecast. The Code Blue will be in effect from Thursday, Jan. 10 through Monday, Jan. 14.

In Montclair, the overnight warming station is being offered by MESH Montclair Emergency Services at the Union Baptist Church, 14 Midland Ave. and open 9 p.m. - 7:30 a.m. Cedar Grove and Verona libraries offer daytime shelter.

“Our homeless residents need a warm place to stay when winter weather gets this bad. The organizations opening their doors are providing a great service and helping us protect the safety of these vulnerable residents,” said Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura.

When a Code Blue is declared, a network of warming stations operated by the County and its municipalities and shelters operated by the community based organizations will be opened. The warming stations identified include Essex County Codey Arena and a variety of public libraries, senior centers, civic and community centers, school buildings, houses of worship, firehouses and first aid squad buildings. Warming stations are generally opened during the day and may not provide overnight accommodations. Shelters do provide overnight accommodations. In addition, shelters that regularly require occupants to leave during the day will suspend that practice so people can stay indoors.