How To Potentially Save A Life During Cold Snap

The Suffolk County Department of Social Services has opened a fifth warming center in the county to help shelter homeless residents, or people without home heat.

On its website updated yesterday, the department listed the Babylon Town Hall Annex, located at 281 Phelps Lane in North Babylon as a sanctioned warming center as the region experiences single-digit temperatures.

According to John Nieves, community relations for the Suffolk DSS, the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless had around 40 volunteers drive around yesterday looking for homeless individuals to bring them into the warming centers. With the frigid temperatures, the homeless are increasingly at risk of suffering frostbite or succumbing to the continued exposure.

Nieves said if you happen to spot someone who might be homeless or otherwise stranded in the elements, there is some information you should know that could save a life.

“You can approach them,” Nieves said. “Tell them ‘you know you don’t have to be out here.’ Then call 854-9100.” That number is the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management’s after-hours hotline. If you call between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday, you should dial (631) 854-9517. Of course, Nieves said you should exercise your judgement when approaching someone who appears homeless.

The five warming shelters available for those to come in from the cold are located at:

• 2 South Second Street, Deer Park

• 80 Middle Country Road, Coram

• 200 Wireless Road, Hauppauge

• 893 East Main Street, Riverhead

• AND NOW: 281 Phelps Lane, North Babylon

Numbers to call, if you see someone who might need help:

Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (631) 854-9517

After 4 p.m., Weekends or Holidays; (631) 854-9100