HARTFORD, Conn — Gov. Ned Lamont announced Wednesday that due to an upcoming period of extremely cold weather with very low wind chill values over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 3:00 p.m. and remaining in effect through noon on Monday, January 22.
This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. The purpose of the protocol is to help most vulnerable populations receive protection from severe cold conditions, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. During the time the protocol is in place, state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
“While we’ve generally experienced a mild winter so far, the next several days and lasting through this weekend are going to be brutally cold and will reach lows that could be life-threatening if someone is exposed to the elements for an extended period of time,” Lamont said. “These cold conditions can also be dangerous for dogs, cats, and other pets, and it is strongly advised to bring your pets indoors.”
There are more than 70 warming shelters spread across Connecticut listed on the Connecticut United Way’s website. Some require acceptance, others are temporary or walk-in options.
“It’s not something we can accept, we can’t accept someone going cold and potentially losing their life on the street tonight, that’s not acceptable to us and shouldn’t be to anyone in Connecticut,” said Eric Harrison, president and CEO of Northeast Connecticut United Way.
He continued: "We do have the funding to help people get a hotel stay or keep people housed as well but we have to be creative and all hands on deck to make sure people are warm through the weekend."
Hartford daytime warming center locations.
Albany Library
1250 Albany Ave.
Monday through Thursday: 9:00-6:00pm
Fridays: 9:00-5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00-5:00pm
860-695-7380
Barbour Library
261 Barbour St.
Monday through Thursday 9:00-6:00
Fridays: 9:00-5:00pm
860-695-7400
*The 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month Barbour is open from 2:00-6:00pm to allow for Foodshare Distribution
Campfield Library
30 Campfield Ave.
Monday through Thursday 9:00-6:00
Fridays: 9:00-5:00pm
860-695-7440
Dwight Library
7 New Park Ave.
Monday through Thursday 9:00-6:00
Fridays: 9:00-5:00pm
860-695-7460
Park Street Library @ the Lyric
603 Park St.
Monday through Thursday: 9:00-6:00
Fridays: 9:00-5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00-5:00pm
860-695-7500
South End Senior Center
830 Maple Ave
Everyday: 8:30-4:00pm
North End Senior Center
80 Coventry St.
Wednesday–Friday: 1:30 – 5:00pm
Center Church
60 Gold Street
(Enter using the Lewis St entrance)
Daily: 10pm - 7am
West Haven Opens Overnight Warming Center at Johnson Community Center, 201 Noble St., and Daytime Warming Center at Main Library, 300 Elm St.
The City of New London, working with the Homeless Hospitality Center, the New London Public Library and the New London Senior Citizen Center announced options for those in need of warming options and or shelter for the upcoming intense cold weather expected in the area over the next few days.
The daytime Warming Centers will be at the New London Public Library at 63 Huntington Street. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 7:00 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am through 5:00 pm; and Sunday, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm., and the Senior Citizen Center at 10 Brainard Street hours are Thursday, Friday, and Monday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
After hours, those in need should contact the Homeless Hospitality Center, 325 Huntington Street for assistance, call (860) 439-1573 or the state shelter response line at 211. Individuals requiring emergency assistance should call 911; those requiring non-emergency assistance or routine requests should call the City’s Dispatch Center at (860) 447-5269.
Waterbury Mayor Paul Pernerewski has activated cold weather protocol in Waterbury beginning Wednesday, January 17 and continuing through Monday, January 22.
The warming center locations:
- The Center for Human Development Hospitality Center, 690 E. Main St.- Open 24 hours
- St. Vincent De Paul Mission Shelter, 114 Benedict St. -Open 24 hours
- North End Recreation Center, 268 North Main St. - 8 AM to 8 PM (beginning 1/18/24)
- Any senior citizen may also utilize the Senior Center, 1985 East Main St., 9 AM to 2 PM
- As always resources are available from Connecticut 211 line provided by the United Way.
Porter Kugler told FOX61 that unfortunately supplies are limited when it comes to serving this many people.
“They’re generous with gloves and socks we get warm showers at night the staff are great it’s limited supplies and limited stuff,” Kugler said.
He said that finding food is difficult, as the shelters desperately need donations to be able to feed everyone, especially as even more people will be in the shelters this weekend, he is asking anyone who can to drop off donations at your nearest shelter.
“They’re generous with gloves and socks we get warm showers at night the staff are great it’s limited supplies and limited stuff,” Kugler said.
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
- The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, which is 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.
- The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares
Doug Stewart is a Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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