Code Blue — Emergency Shelter Program
New York State emergency cold weather shelter — activated when wind chill drops below 32°F
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
Call 211
Dial 211 or 1-800-346-2211 — available 24/7
Say You Need "Code Blue" Shelter
This triggers the state-mandated shelter requirement
Transportation Will Be Arranged
If you are in Yates County, transportation to shelter will be provided