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 everyone has adequate shelter during the upcoming severe cold weather.
The reason for the activation is the arrival of intense arctic cold in Connecticut starting tonight resulting in temperatures in the single digits and wind chill factors below zero, followed by a potential winter storm.
The current protocol activation will be in effect from noon today, January 14, until noon Wednesday, January 19.
Cities or towns opening warming centers or other facilities to help those in need should following appropriate COVID sheltering protocols. If your town opens a shelter or warming center, please indicate its status on the WebEOC Daily Operations incident, which will track open warming centers and overflow or temporary emergency shelters. 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. Working with local shelters, 2-1-1 will act as clearinghouse to ensure that shelter space is found for those that need it.
If you have any questions about the policies for access to shelter in your area, please contact info@cceh.org.
