Newark,NJ – June 21, 2024 — Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook announced that the City of Newark is extending CODE RED through 8 p.m. Sunday, June23. Temperatures are expected to rise into the high 90s with a temperature as high as 97°F and a heat index as high as 101°F.
The Health Department urges Newark residents to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from extreme heat, especially among the most vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions. Vulnerable Newark residents should use air conditioning to stay cool, drink water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day (which are from 11 a.m. to 4p.m.).
The City is reminding residents to stay cool and stay hydrated. Newark indoor and outdoor swimming pools are currently open.
A “Code Red” is a Hot Weather Health Warning that is usually issued in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity with periods of time when the heat index is 100ºF or more. Such conditions have been associated with illness and/or death. Residents (specifically seniors and those with chronic health issues) should take precautions to prevent heat-related stress and exhaustion.
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services and its partners are committed to supporting residents that may need services during this heat advisory. During this emergency, additional street outreach is conducted to Newark residents who are unsheltered, encouraging them to enter emergency shelters or visit drop-in or cooling centers.
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services also has a texting hotline for the public to use to help any unsheltered resident in need of services. The public may text “Path Home” to 855-11 if they see someone on the street that needs non-emergency assistance. The text is sent to street outreach teams that will locate the person and offer services.
For additional information on how to beat the heat, visit http://www.newarknj.gov or follow the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness social media pages at http://www.facebook.com/NewarkDHCW, https://www.instagram.com/NewarkDHCWand http://www.twitter.com/NewarkDHCW.
