NEW YORK (PIX11) — With frigid overnight temperatures lingering in the region, New York City officials have declared a Code Blue will be in effect until 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
While the alert has been shared across social media platforms, some may wonder how this emergency protocol affects them. Let’s break it down.
When is a Code Blue declared?
A Code Blue is activated when the temperature is forecasted to drop to 32 degrees or lower. Officials will also consider wind chill values when deciding whether to declare the emergency. The Code Blue will typically be in effect between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. the following day.
What happens during a Code Blue?
City outreach teams will visit people living on the streets and in the subway system and encourage them to visit a Department of Homeless Services shelter or a drop-in center.
Anyone in need of shelter can stay at a shelter or drop-in center without going through the normal intake process.
Make PIX11 your preferred news source on Google: Here’s how
What should you do during a Code Blue?
If you see a homeless person out in the cold or someone in need of shelter, you can call 311, and an outreach team will be sent to the location.
Click here for more information about how you can help.
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.