We've had a mostly warm winter season for the so far but that's coming to a screeching halt this weekend with wintry weather and bone chilling winds breathing down the neck of the Jersey Shore forcing a Code Blue activation.

As extremely low temperatures and dangerous wind chills move into our area later this weekend, a Code Blue Alert has been issued in Monmouth County beginning at 6:00 am on January 20 and running through 8:00 am on January 23.

Sheriff Shaun Golden, along with the Board of Chosen Freeholders, want everyone to know 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,” Golden, whose agency oversees the Monmouth County Office of Emergency Management, said. “The necessary plans, procedures and resources are in place to address any emergency situation that is elevated to the level of needing county assistance.”

Those who need access to a warming center should first contact their local police department and your municipality will then coordinate assistance with the Monmouth County OEM.

Residents are being asked to check on elderly neighbors and to limit the outdoor activity of pets.

If you have to go outside, avoid over exertion, 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 own vehicle.

Sheriff Golden and the Board of Chosen Freeholders thank community partners The Monmouth County Homeless Shelter in Freehold, Trinity Episcopal Church and the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission of Asbury Park and the Pilgrim Baptist Church/Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation of Red Bank.

Monmouth County has implemented 10 Code Blue Alerts since November 2018 and with their community partners, have assisted about 130 people.

In Ocean County a Code Blue alert has been activated from 6:00 pm on Sunday thru 8:00 am on Tuesday January 22.

The Code Blue activation period runs from November 1st until March 1st with the greatest risk of frigid temps coming between December and February and peaking in January, considered the coldest month, according to the Code Blue legislation passed in May of 2017.

A Code Blue will be issued by all New Jersey counties in accordance with the DHS during these conditions that in the winter include:

  • Temperatures will reach 25 degrees Fahrenheit or lower without precipitation.
  • Temperatures will reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower with precipitation.
  • National Weather Service wind-chill temperature will be zero degrees Fahrenheit or less for a period of two hours or more.

Here are warming centers opening in Ocean County:

  • Whitesville Road/Riverwood Road Riverwood Park in Toms River. Call 386-315-0168 for information.
  • "Code Blue Day Center"  Alive Again Alliance Church 1060 Church Road in Toms River on Monday only from 10:00AM to 5:00pm.

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