Code Blue — Emergency Shelter Program

New York State emergency cold weather shelter — activated when wind chill drops below 32°F

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When a Code Blue alert is issued, emergency shelter is available to ALL residents in Yates County — no documentation required.

Call 211 anytime, 24/7.

What Is Code Blue?

Code Blue is a New York State mandate (18 NYCRR § 304.1) requiring Yates County Department of Social Services to provide emergency shelter to any unsheltered person when temperatures are forecast to fall below 32°F with wind chill for two or more consecutive hours.

The alert must be issued by 5:00 PM daily when conditions apply and remains in effect until temperatures rise above 32°F — but no earlier than 7:00 AM the following morning.

When Code Blue Is Activated

  • Forecast wind chill below 32°F for 2 or more consecutive hours
  • Based on National Weather Service forecast for Penn Yan area
  • Declared by Yates County DSS by 5:00 PM when conditions apply

How to Access Shelter

1

Call 211

Dial 211 or 1-800-346-2211 — available 24/7

2

Say You Need "Code Blue" Shelter

This triggers the state-mandated shelter requirement

3

Transportation Will Be Arranged

If you are in Yates County, transportation to shelter will be provided

Local Contacts

211 Helpline

Available 24/7 — ask for Code Blue shelter

Yates County DSS

417 Liberty Street, Suite 2122
Penn Yan, NY

315-536-5183