Severe Cold Weather Alert
Severe Cold Weather Alert
Activation of Protocol January 30, 2019 to February 3, 2019
TO: DEMHS Regional Coordinators, Local Chief Executive Officers, Fire Chiefs, Police Chiefs, Emergency Management Directors, and Other Local Officials
FROM: Commissioner James Rovella, DESPP
Deputy Commissioner Regina Y. Rush-Kittle, DESPP/DEMHS
State Emergency Management Director William J. Hackett
DATE: January 29, 2019
At the direction of Governor Ned Lamont, the Division of Emergency Management (DEMHS) within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), the Department of Housing (DOH), the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Department of Social Services (DSS), United Way 2-1-1, the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, and other partners are implementing the severe cold weather protocol to ensure adequate shelter space during the upcoming severe cold weather.
The protocol is being activated as a result of the forecasted bitter cold temperatures from Wednesday afternoon until Sunday. The current protocol activation will be in effect from noon Wednesday, January 30, until noon Sunday, February 3.
Governor Lamont encourages cities and towns to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to help those in need. In addition, we want to continue to ensure that if local shelters or other facilities used during cold weather emergencies reach their capacities, there is a system in place to find out where there is space so they can direct individuals and families accordingly.
If you receive a call from someone looking for shelter and you are not aware of any shelter space, please direct the person to 2-1-1. DEMHS will open an incident on WebEOC, “Weather 2019-01-30 Extreme Temp (Cold)”. If your town opens a shelter or warming center, please indicate its status on WebEOC. Working with local shelters, 2-1-1 will act as clearinghouse to ensure that shelter space is found for those that need it. Please spread the word of this critical service provided by 2-1-1.
On behalf of the Governor, thank you for your efforts to keep the residents of Connecticut safe and warm, especially during these cold weather events.