Newtown officials and the state are preparing for the coldest snap of weather so far this winter. According to a release from Newtown Health District Director Donna Culbert in consultation with First Selectman’s Office and Emergency Management officials, a Severe Cold Weather Alert is being issued.

Connecticut is forecast to experience bitter cold actual and wind chill temperatures Monday to Wednesday, and local officials are urging residents to be prepared for severe cold weather and ask that every resident make appropriate preparations to ensure personal safety and readiness.

Also, take action to protect pets.

“Please review your preparedness,” the notification states. “We ask that you please check on any elderly or frail neighbors to be certain they are doing OK in this weather.”

In the event residents are experiencing issues related to insufficient heating, they are welcome at the locations listed below to seek relief from the cold.

At Fairfield Hills:

Newtown Municipal Center, 3 Primrose Street (open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm; and Friday 8 am to 5 pm), call 203-270-4201 for additional information;

Newtown Community Center, 8 Simpson Street (Monday through Friday, 6 am-8 pm; and weekends, 7 am to 5:30 pm); 203-270-4349; and

Newtown Senior Center, also 8 Simpson Street (Monday through Friday, 9 am-4 pm); 203-270-4310 for more information.

Also:

C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street (open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am-8 pm; Friday and Saturday, 9:30 am-5 pm; and Sunday, 12-5 pm), call 203-426-4533 or visit chboothlibrary.org for additional information;

Edmond Town Hall Theatre, 45 Main Street (building is open from 8 am-10 pm; call 203-426-2475, visit our calendar for move listings and special event details.

Important numbers and contact information:

If there is a Life Safety Emergency, call 911;

Connecticut’s free information and referral service: call 211 or visit 211ct.org;

Power outage: call Eversource, 800-286-2000;

Emergency Management/Office of the Fire Marshal: 203-270-4370;

Health District: 203-270-4291;

CodeRED: register at Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management or call 203-270-4370 for assistance;

Smart 911: register at Emergency Management on the Public Safety page on the Town of Newtown’s website (newtown-ct.gov/emergency-management); and

Check News and Announcements on the Town website (newtown-ct.gov). Residents can also register to receive news at newtown-ct.gov/subscribe.

Statewide Details

At 11 am on Monday, January 10, Governor Ned Lamont announced that as brutally frigid temperatures are expected to impact Connecticut over the next couple of days, he directed the state’s severe cold weather protocol to be activated beginning at noon, and remaining in effect through noon on Wednesday, January 12.

This is the first time the protocol has been enacted during the 2021-22 winter season.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.

While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 211 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 is urged to call 211 to get connected to these services. Safety measures have been enacted at shelters and warming centers throughout Connecticut to adhere to the needs of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“While we’ve had relatively mild weather so far this winter, it looks like we are about to receive our first blast of freezing cold air beginning this evening,” Lamont said. “Being outdoors in these arctic conditions for extended periods is not safe, and we must spread the word that shelters and warming centers are open all across Connecticut. If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, call 211 and they will direct you to a nearby location and they can also provide transportation if necessary.”

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 211 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 211 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 211 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 CT Prepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares or download the CT Prepares app to mobile devices at the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.