Winter may be the worst time to be homeless in the Southern Tier and Western New York.
In Hornell, for example, the average daily low temperature in December is about 24 degrees, while January’s average daily low is around 18.
Experts warn that prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can result in hypothermia, which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This results in the body’s core temperature falling below what the body needs to function normally.
According to health officials, hypothermia can strike surprisingly fast, within minutes in extreme cold/wet conditions to longer periods in milder cold, especially if wet, immobile, or inadequately dressed, with severe cases setting in within 30 minutes or less.
What is a Code Blue in New York state?
Code Blue is a New York state-mandated emergency protocol activated to protect homeless individuals from extreme winter weather.
Cold Blue is triggered when the National Weather Service forecasts temperatures, including wind chill, to drop below 32 degrees for at least two consecutive hours.
Where to find Code Blue shelter in Steuben County
In Steuben County, the County Legislature in September approved a $273,400 contract with Bridge to Hope to operate a warming center for temporary housing during Code Blue this winter.
Located in the Town of Bath, the center can accommodate about 20 individuals at a time.
Laundry, snacks and showers, as well as transportation to the site, are available. Those in need of the temporary shelter may call the Department of Social Services or the 2-1-1 Helpline.
Hornell Police Chief Ted Murray told the Board of Public Safety Dec. 11 the police department will assist individuals with securing DSS transportation to Bath if needed.
The Bath warming center will remain open through April 30, according to Steuben County’s contract with Bridge to Hope.
Bridge to Hope is a Corning-based organization whose mission is “to empower individuals transitioning through homelessness, recovery, and life challenges by providing a safe, resource-rich environment filled with compassion, dignity, and hope.”
Where are the Allegany County warming centers?
In Allegany County, the county website provides a link at the top center of the main page listing county warming sites The sites include church facilities in Belmont and Belfast as well as public libraries around the county.
The days and hours the locations are available and included in the list.
Email Neal Simon at nsimon@gannett.com. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Steuben County opens warming center in town of Bath for unsheltered
Reporting by Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune / The Evening Tribune
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