UPDATE: This man has died.
Several good samaritans are credited for finding a man buried under a mound of snow inside a park in downtown Newark Monday morning.
According to police, these good samaritans flagged down a passing police patrol car and told them they believe that a man was buried under snow inside Lincoln Park.
Newark Police officers jumped into action -while heavy snow fell- and found the unconscious and barely responsive man under the snow.
The victim was transported to the hospital suffering severe hypothermia and as of 11 a.m., there was no fatality reported.
Officials believe that the victim was homeless and normally stayed inside the park.
Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Dr. Mark J. Wade activated a “Code Blue” for Sunday, January 30th through Thursday, February 4th. Officials said a “Code Blue” is called when temperatures reach 25°F or lower without precipitation, 32°F with precipitation, or when there is a wind chill factor of 0°.
According to a statement released by Newark officials, the city prepared for a forecasted mixture of extreme cold, heavy snow, and icy conditions. Temperatures are forecasted to drop into the low 20s, with a wind chill factor of 8°F. Residents are being reminded to be cautious during extremely cold weather.
The City is also reminding residents that emergency shelters are operating during the extreme cold weather and about its partnerships with Social Service agencies. For more information about sheltering services, contact the shelters listed below or the Division of Social Services at: (973) 877-9481 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.