Governor Malloy activates Connnecticut’s 'Severe Cold Weather Protocol'

Anyone Seeking Shelter Should Call 2-1-1

 

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy Monday announced he activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol "in anticipation of temperatures in the teens and single digits and wind chills below zero overnight" according to a release. 

 

"The protocol is effective beginning the afternoon of Monday, January 4, 2016 and will remain in effect through the morning of Tuesday, January 5," the release said.

 

“While we’ve experienced mild temperatures over the past several weeks, the new year has brought some cold weather. I am activating our severe cold weather protocol to initiate essential services to protect our most vulnerable,” Malloy said, also in the release.  “Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to find the nearest shelter or warming center.”

 

While activated, the protocol directs the departments of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Social Services, Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Housing to coordinate with 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the state’s most vulnerable populations are protected from the severe cold weather," the release said.

 

Also, "under the protocol, the DESPP’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, an internet-based system that enables local, regional and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions.  The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it.  Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.

 

DSS and DOH coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness in working with community-based providers to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

 

DMHAS deploys teams that specialize in working with homeless people to locate those who are at risk, spread the word about the 2-1-1 system, and encourage them to take shelter.  It also works with shelters to assess and meet the needs of individual clients."

Further:

"Due to the arrival of the extremely cold winter weather, Mayor John A. Harkins
has directed that the four Town of Stratford Fire stations  be opened to the public
as temporary warming stations should the need arise."
 The fire stations are
located at:
Fire Headquarters   2750 Main Street
Engine Company 2   1415 Huntington Road
Engine Company 3   20 Prospect Drive
Engine Company 4   200 Oronoque Lane
"Connecticut will experience very cold weather over the next several days with evening temperatures ranging from the low teens to single digits with winds causing the wind chill factor to dip below zero. Appropriate clothing should be worn when venturing outdoors. We also would like to remind pet owners that pets  should not be kept outside during this extremely cold weather, as pets can suffer
frostbite and hypothermia the same as humans," according to Deputy Chief Jonathan Gottfried Emergency Management Director
 

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