(ASBURY PARK, NJ) — A Code Blue Alert has been issued for Monmouth County for Feb. 26 to March 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. When the winter wind bites and temperatures plummet, Asbury Park transforms its community spirit into life-saving action through the Code Blue program. This vital, multi-agency effort is governed by New Jersey Code Blue Legislation, which mandates that the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Management issue an alert whenever the National Weather Service predicts temperatures of 32°F or lower. By declaring a Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert before freezing temperatures actually arrive, authorities can mobilize a network of 53 municipalities and social service agencies to ensure that sheltering arrangements are ready for those who are unsheltered and vulnerable to hypothermia.
To ensure that no one is left out in the cold, these alerts are shared broadly across local media, social platforms, and the NJ Statewide Homeless Hotline. Once an alert is active, several key locations in the Asbury Park area serve as critical lifelines for the community. During the evening hours, Trinity Church (503 Asbury Avenue) opens its doors from 7 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., where unsheltered individuals can simply show up without a referral to find a safe, warm space. For those needing a place during the day, the Jersey Shore Rescue Mission (701 Memorial Drive) operates as a warming center whenever temperatures remain at or below freezing. Furthermore, the Mercy Center (901 Main Street) has joined this network as a designated location, providing an essential resource for those seeking shelter and warmth.
Finding help during these extreme conditions is a streamlined process, regardless of the time of day. If you or someone you know needs assistance during regular business hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM), the first step is to call the Monmouth County Division of Social Services at 732-431-6000 (ext. 4613) to be screened for placement or referred to a warming center. Should the need arise during the weekend or after hours, individuals and families can dial 2-1-1 or 877-652-1148 to request a "Code Blue placement."
In situations where transportation to a warming center is a barrier, or if you have specific concerns about a vulnerable neighbor, the Asbury Park Police Department is available at 732-774-1300 to assist. Above all, it is crucial to remember that if you or anyone else is experiencing a cold-related medical emergency, you should call 911 immediately. By staying informed and utilizing these coordinated resources, we can ensure that every member of our community stays safe and warm, no matter how low the mercury drops.
(Flyer image of warming centers courtesy of City of Asbury Park Social Services and Mercy Center.)
Code Blue image by Monmouth County Sheriff's Office. For more information on resources, visit the city of Asbury Park Code Blue Alert website.
If you have any Asbury Park story tips or ideas, please reach out to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com
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