Severe Cold Weather Protocol Alert
February 11th – February 15th, 2016

Friday, February 10th

(HARTFORD, CT) –At the direction of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS), Department of Housing (DOH), 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 severe cold weather.

The protocol is being activated as a result of the forecasted bitter cold temperatures and strong winds, resulting in negative wind chill factors, particularly Saturday through Sunday night.   The protocol will remain in effect from 4 pm Thursday, February 11, until Monday, February 15 at 10 am.

Governor Malloy 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, “Severe Cold Weather February 11-15, 2016.”  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 a 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, we thank you again for your hard work and dedication all year round—and especially in these cold and stormy winter months—to help individuals and families.

If you have any questions about the policies for access to shelter in your area, please contact your CAN coordinator. If you have any questions about the 211 referral process, please contact Wendy Caruso, at  Wendy.Caruso@ctunitedway.org, or if immediate shelter is needed please dial 211, press option 5 and a contact specialist will assist you with finding shelter in your area. If you have any questions about CCEH support to communities and the Coordinated Access process, please contact training@cceh.org.