New Brunswick Set to Break Code Blue Record this Winter

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (February 4, 2026) - The ongoing, stubborn frozen temperatures this season have pushed the City's resources into high gear. New Brunswick is now on pace to shatter its previous annual record for emergency "Code Blue" activations.

Code Blue, which is initiated by Middlesex County and administered through the City's Department of Human and Community Services, is triggered on nights when temperatures plummet below 32 degrees. While participating municipalities are required to open a warming center between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., New Brunswick exceeds these requirements by providing cots, pillows, blankets, and bathroom facilities.

There have been over 63 Code Blues called since the season began on Nov. 6. Last season's total is 83, but the gap is rapidly closing with several weeks of winter still ahead and some upcoming single-digit nights expected.

Due to the freezing weather, Code Blue requires staff to rotate shifts to ensure uninterrupted safety for those in need.

To keep up with this demand, the City hired two additional coordinators, bringing the total staff to six coordinators and two supervisors. The City's proactive measures also included using Lord Stirling Elementary School as a daytime warming center during a particularly harsh stretch last month.