Newtown’s First Selectman and the Emergency Management Office urge residents to be prepared for severe cold weather and ask that they take action to protect pets.  Newtown officials are asking that residents check on any elderly or frail neighbors to be certain they are doing OK in this weather. 

There are several municipal buildings in town open during the daytime for people seeking relief from the cold including the municipal center, the community center, senior center, library and Edmond Town Hall.

As bitter cold temperatures and wind chills impact the state over the next several days, Governor Ned Lamont activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol.  This will be in place through 9am on Saturday. This is the first time this season that the protocol has been enacted.

 The protocol directs staff from the relevant state agencies to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe conditions. 

The Department of Social Services, Department of Housing, and 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.

The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security activates its WebEOC communications network, 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.