Monroe County declares Code Blue as temps drop and two R-Centers extend hours

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – With wind chills expected to dip below zero on Friday morning through Saturday morning, Monroe County has declared a Code Blue. The county is reminding people to bundle up, bring their pets inside, and check on their neighbors.

Under the Code Blue protocols, which go into effect whenever temperatures fall to 5 degrees, outreach teams check on the homeless to make sure they have shelter, rides, and meals. A 24-hour warming
center is available at Open Door Mission, 210 W. Main Street.

The City of Rochester is extending hours at some of its R-Centers to help people stay warm:

• The Trenton and Pamela Jackson R-Center at 485 N. Clinton Ave. is open today from 8 a.m. through 9 p.m.
• The David F. Gantt R-Center at 700 North St. is open today from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m.

Other R-Centers are open from 2-9 p.m. You can also go to libraries for warmth. The Downtown’s Central Branch Library will be open from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind child advisory, starting at 4 a.m. Friday and ending at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Those in need of shelter during the extreme cold can call (585) 753-6044 during business hours and (585) 442-1742 after 5 p.m. and on weekends.