Politics & Government

How To Potentially Save A Life During Cold Snap

Suffolk County Department of Social Services provides information on how to help homeless individuals, or those without home heating oil.

The Suffolk County Department of Social Services has provided information, including a warming center to help shelter homeless residents, or people without home heat.

On its website updated yesterday, the department listed the Babylon Town Hall Annex, located at 281 Phelps Lane in North Babylon as a sanctioned warming center as the region experiences single-digit temperatures.

With the frigid temperatures, the homeless are increasingly at risk of suffering frostbite or succumbing to hypothermia from the continued exposure.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you happen to spot someone who might be homeless or otherwise stranded in the elements, there is some information you should know that could save a life.

For starters, use sound judgement, but you might consider approaching them. Tell them that they don't have to stay outside in the cold. Then call (631) 854-9100. That number is the Suffolk County Office of Emergency Management’s after-hours hotline. If you call between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday, you should dial (631) 854-9517.

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After the call is placed the county will provide temporary housing at one of its housing assistance sites. The county does not disclose the locations of those sites, due to confidentiality regulations.

The above numbers are also the point of contact if you or someone you know runs out of home heating oil. Once the county is contacted, they can arranged to have an emergency supply of oil delivered to get the heat back on.

The county's walk-in service centers for such needs are located at:

  • 2 South Second Street, Deer Park

  • 80 Middle Country Road, Coram

  • 200 Wireless Road, Hauppauge

  • 893 East Main Street, Riverhead

Numbers to call, if you see someone who might need help:

Monday-Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (631) 854-9517

After 4 p.m., Weekends or Holidays; (631) 854-9100


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