HARTFORD -- Gov. Dannel Malloy announced Monday he has activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol in anticipation of temperatures in the teens and single digits and wind chills below zero overnight. The protocol is effective beginning the afternoon of Monday, January 4, 2016 and will remain in effect through the morning of Tuesday, January 5.
“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,” Gov. Malloy said. “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 Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Department of Housing (DOH) 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.
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.
