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Extreme Cold: Code Blue Alert

WEATHER SHELTER PROTOCOL

When temperatures drop to or below 32°F (including windchill) between 4pm and 8am, emergency shelter measures are activated in Suffolk and Nassau Counties to protect people from life-threatening cold.
What happens during CODE BLUE?
. Open Access: Anyone can enter a shelter. No eligibility restrictions
. Increased outreach
. Emergency Warming Centers: Safe spaces open across Long Island
· Active Until: Temperatures rise above 32°F
How to get help through DSS?
In Suffolk County:
. Daytime Applications: Call 631-854-9935 or 631-854-9936
. After 4:30pm: Call the night emergency number at 631-854-9100
In Nassau County:
. Daytime Applications: Call 516-227-8519. You must visit the center by 12:00pm to apply for shelter
. Nightime Applications: Call the emergency number at 516-573-8626

Heating Assistance Programs

Need Help with Heating Assistance? If you or someone you know needs financial assistance for heating devices or related expenses, the following organizations may be able to help:
Family Service League: Call 631-427-3700
EOC of Suffolk: Call 631-289-2124
PSEG or National Grid: Call the customer service number listed at the bottom of your bill and ask to speak with a consumer advocate.

PSEG Long Island:
Household Assistance Program Lower your electric bills by $45 or more per month and get flexible payment options through PSEG-LI’s Household Assistance Program.  
Qualifying Programs: (must show proof within 12 months): HEAP, Medicaid, SNAP, SSwI, Public Assistance, Child Health Plus, Veterans Disability Pension, Federal Housing, or Lifeline  
📄 Apply Online: psegliny.com/financialassistance 📧
Email: consumeradvocacyli@pseg.com
📞 Customer Assistance Line: 1-800-490-0025  
🤝 Need Help Applying? Legal Services of Long Island can assist you with HEAP applications:
Nassau County: 516-292-8100
Suffolk County: 631-232-2400
QUICK TIP: These programs operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
✅ Check eligibility ✅ Gather documents ✅ Apply immediately

For Suffolk County Click here for a list of facilities that may be activated as Cooling Centers during an excessive heat event as determined by the National Weather Service. During excessive heat conditions, review the operating hours and call before you go or make a referral, to make sure the location is open.

Residents in need of emergency services, including housing assistance, can use the following important contact numbers:

  • Social Services Emergency Housing
  • During Normal Business Hours: (631) 854-9930
  • After 4:30 PM, Weekends, and Holidays: (631) 854-9100

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Suffolk County’s non-emergency number by dialing 311. SUFFOLK 311, a non-emergency call center and self-service portal designed to provide residents with a centralized point of contact for county services, information, and non-emergency issues. If you have an emergency please call 9-1-1 immediately.

To report a county-owned street that needs clearing in Suffolk County, you can visit the Suffolk County 311 website and complete the forms under the Highway Conditions section. This ensures that your request is directed to the appropriate department for action. 

Nassau County’s Temporary Cooling Spaces are available for anyone who needs to cool-down on days of extreme temperatures. The below spaces will be activated during extreme heat events. 

  • Cantiague Park Administration Office – 480 W John St, Hicksville, NY (Open 8am – 6pm, Anyone remaining after that time will be transported to Mitchel Field by NCPD)
  • Wantagh Administration Building – 1 King Rd, Wantagh, NY (Open 8am – 6pm, Anyone remaining after that time will be transported to Mitchel Field by NCPD)
  • Mitchel Field Administration Building – 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd, Uniondale, NY (Open 24/7)

If you see someone who may need shelter overnight, do not hesitate to call the Nassau County Homeless Hotline (1-866-WARMBED). Nassau County’s Emergency Shelter Relief Program is open seven days a week both day and night. The Emergency Night Service (ENS) opens at 6pm. ENS handles nighttime WarmBed calls.

To report an outage to PSEG: Text OUT to PSEGLI at 773454 or visit:  https://www.psegliny.com/myaccount/customersupport/contactus

To Report a Downed Power Line to PSEG call: 1-800-490-0075 T To report a gas emergency call 911 or National Grid’s 24-hour emergency hotline: 1-800-490-0045

Nassau County OEM:  https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/1620/Emergency-Management

 Suffolk County OEM: https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/FRES/Click here to sign up for Suffolk County Emergency Alerts

Cold Weather Safety Tips:
Keep the warmth in: Insulate your home, seal drafts, and use weather stripping.
Stay heated safely: Check your heating system and never use ovens or stoves for warmth.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Ensure smoke and CO detectors are working.
Travel smart: Avoid unnecessary trips, keep an emergency kit in your car, and drive cautiously.
Check on others: Elderly neighbors, pets, and those in need may require extra support.
Be prepared, stay safe, and take precautions as winter weather moves in.

American Red Cross: How to Get Help: https://www.redcross.org/local/new-york/ or call: 1-877-733-2767  American Red Cross Preparedness Guide:  https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (NVOAD):  https://www.nvoad.org/howtohelp/current-responses/

NWS New York Tropical Page: https://www.weather.gov/okx/tropical

NWS New York Website: https://www.weather.gov/okx/

NWS New York Summer DSS Website: https://www.weather.gov/okx/emnew_summer

River Gauges and Forecasts: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=okx

NWS New York Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NWSNewYorkNY

NWS New York Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NWSNewYorkNY Online Severe Weather Reporting: https://www.weather.gov/okx/SubmitStormReport

Real-time traffic closures on a map: https://www.511ny.org/#TransitRegion-8

Power outages 1-800-490-0075 or text OUT to PSEGLI

Long Island Railroad Service Alerts:  http://www.mta.info/lirr

NICE Bus Service Alerts:  http://nicebus.com/Passenger-Information/Service-Alerts.aspx

Suffolk County Transit Service Alerts: https://sctbus.org/alerts