STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 The New York City Department of Social Services has activated an Enhanced Code Blue amid what Mayor Zohran Mamdani said \u201cmay be the longest stretch of below freezing temperatures\u201d in the city\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
As of Tuesday, 10 city residents have died after they were found outdoors in these freezing conditions, according to a post on X put out by Mamdan<\/a>i.<\/p>\n During this Enhanced Code Blue, outreach teams are working \u201caround the clock\u201d and intensifying efforts to reach out and support individuals experiencing homelessness.<\/p>\n In a notification, Notify NYC stated that \u201cno one who is experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter in New York City will be denied.\u201d<\/p>\n Since Jan. 19, the city has made nearly 500 placements, Mamdani said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re bypassing traditional shelter intake rules so everyone can be accommodated,\u201d the mayor added. \u201cLet me be clear, no one will be turned away.\u201d<\/p>\n The hours of outreach vans are being increased and the paid overtime of these outreach teams are being expanded during this Enhanced Code Blue.<\/p>\n Since Friday, 10 new warming shelters, 7 health centers and 10 warming buses have been opened across the five boroughs, according to Mamdani.<\/p>\n Additionally, as part of the Enhanced Code Blue, 311 calls are being rerouted to 911.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen it comes to getting New Yorkers out of the cold, we are leaving no stone unturned. And if you see someone out in the cold who looks like they may need help, please call 311,\u201d Mamdani said in the video posted to X. \u201cStay safe, stay warm and look out for your neighbors.\u201d<\/p>\n For additional information on outreach, visit https:\/\/www.nyc.gov\/site\/dhs\/outreach\/street-outreach.page<\/a>.<\/p>\n A prolonged cold snap<\/p>\n