During extreme cold weather, Ocean County activates its Code Blue Plan to help vulnerable residents stay safe. When a Code Blue Alert is issued by the County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), information about available weather-related services is shared on the Human Services website, via email, and on social media.
What is a Code Blue?
Pursuant to NJSA A:9-43:18, a Code Blue is declared when temperatures will reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower OR National Weather Service wind-chill temperature will be zero degrees Fahrenheit or less for a period of two hours or more. Ocean County’s Code Blue Plan coordinates available services during extreme cold to protect individuals at risk. It sets protocols for alerts, identifies warming centers and other resources, and encourages communication among service providers.
Alerts are usually made by 5:00 p.m. the previous business day or by 5:00 p.m. Friday for weekend events. The Code Blue season runs from October 1 – April 30.
Warming Centers & Services
Warming centers are temporary spaces that open during Code Blue alerts to help vulnerable residents stay safe in extreme cold. Locations are selected based on available space, accessibility, and proximity to services such as transportation and other supports. Each center is independently operated by a non-profit organization, and information about active centers and additional resources is posted on the Human Services website and Facebook page for each Code Blue Alert.
2025-2026 Warming Centers
CSPNJ/County Building, 1959 Rt 9, Toms River Call 848-338-5498
Warm Hearts, 764 Ocean Avenue, Lakewood Call 732-900-1724
St. John's Zion AME, 114 First Street, Lakewood Call 848-992-9152
St. Mary's, 747 West Bay Ave., Barnegat Call 609-607-7792
Accessing Warming Center Services
Code Blue notifications sent through the alert system will include the address, phone number, and hours of operation for each designated Warming Center during an activation. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to a Center to confirm availability. Local law enforcement and homelessness outreach teams are also available to assist residents to access Code Blue Warming Center services.
For emergent situations occurring after hours, contact the NJ State Homeless Hotline by dialing 2-1-1 or 1-877-652-1148 https://nj211.org/njcodeblue.
Get Involved
Human Services encourages any organization interested in serving as a warming center to reach out for information about being added to the Code Blue Plan.
Code Blue is discussed at both the Ocean County Homelessness Trust Fund Task Force and Human Services Advisory Council meetings, which are open to the public.
Code Blue Updates and Resources
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