Monmouth County Extends Code Blue Help For Those In Need

FREEHOLD, NJ - Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden said that because of anticipated and ongoing extremely low temperatures and the accompanying wind chill, a Code Blue alert will remain in effect throughout Monmouth County for at least the next few days.

Although state law only requires the county to coordinate with the towns that have 10 or more documented homeless individuals, which in Monmouth County is one town, county officials say that no one will be left out in the cold.

“Our number one priority is to ensure the safety of all Monmouth County residents throughout this Code Blue alert and always,” said Golden, whose agency oversees the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management. “The necessary plans, procedures and resources are in place to address any emergency situation that is elevated to the level of needing county assistance.”

When town resources are overwhelmed or unable to handle a particular emergency or event, the municipal emergency management coordinator will make a request for county assistance, Golden explained in a release.

Operations under Code Blue alerts are no different. Those who need to access a warming center should first contact their local police department, he said.

If a local department is unable to assist, the Monmouth County Division of Social Services should be contacted at 732-431-6000 during non-business hours and at 732-431-6000 ext. 4613 during business hours.

Reaching out to Social Services can be made by the person in need, a police officer or a municipal official.
This is an established process for Monmouth County and predated the implementation of the newly enacted Code Blue law.

With the wind chill forecasts expected to be 10 to 15 degrees below zero starting overnight Friday and continuing through Sunday, residents are being asked to check on elderly neighbors and to limit the outdoor activity of pets. If an individual must be outdoors, avoid overexertion when shoveling snow, keep dry and wear several layers of loose-fitting clothes.

While traveling, make sure that someone knows your route and schedule and have a winter survival kit, including a blanket, in your vehicle.

Winter temperatures are expected to dip to frigid levels. Photograph via Shutterstock.