During Code Blue, Code Red, and Code Grey, outreach teams check on people who live on the streets and in the subway more frequently.
Homeless people may also stay at any Department of Homeless Services shelter or drop-in center without going through the normal intake process.
Code Blue
When the temperature is 32 degrees or lower, including wind chill values, the City follows Code Blue procedures.
Enhanced Code Blue is activated during the following scenarios:
- Continuous or accumulating precipitation (snowfall of 3 inches or more)
- Ice storms and/or freezing rain
- Temperature or wind chills below -5° F (any amount of time)
- Sustained winds of 40 mph (or higher)
- At the request of New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) or City Hall
When Code Blue is in effect, over 50 NYC hospitals (including public hospitals), as well as DHS drop-in centers and shelters, operate with a full open-door policy. This ensures every New Yorker has a safe, warm place to go. New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be experiencing homelessness and in need should request homeless outreach assistance.
Code Red (Including Level 1 and Level 2)
When the temperature reaches a heat index of 90 degrees, or when an excessive heat warning is issued, the City follows Code Red procedures.
Code Grey
When the Air Quality Index (AQI) is forecast to be 201 or greater, the City follows Code Grey procedures until the AQI Advisory, Watch, or Warning has ended.
