Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announce that the city has launched emergency preparations in advance of tomorrow’s snowstorm with Code Blue and the Emergency Operations Center activated.
Officials say, Code Blue is called when temperatures reach 25°F or lower without precipitation or 32°F or lower with precipitation. The City reminds residents that a number of homeless shelters have partnered with the City to provide emergency sheltering, including Code Blue sheltering.
The Emergency Operations Center encompasses the City of Newark’s Department of Public Safety, including Police and Fire Divisions along with the Office of Emergency Management in one location with PSEG and other utilities to respond to weather-related issues.
Beginning after 5 p.m. tomorrow, snow is predicted with wind chill values of between 25 and 30 degrees. Accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are possible. Snow may continue into Monday morning.
Residents are asked to observe signs reflecting the city’s “No Parking on Snow Covered Roadways” ordinance, which will be enforced by summonses and towing. Double parked cars will also be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
Residents may park in public school parking lots during this snow event.
“The fewer vehicles on the streets, the easier it is for police, fire and other first responders to get to people who need help,” Mayor Baraka said. “Snow removal vehicles also need access to keep our streets clean,” he added. “Residents are asked to partner with neighbors by sharing driveways and by checking on the elderly, disabled and children to ensure that they are safe.”
Drivers are discouraged from traveling through any streets that are flooded, have high water or are believed to be flooded. Click here for a list of streets that can experience flooding.
For fire safety, please utilize flashlights, instead of candles, should you lose electricity due to this weather event.