Shelter from the cold

Frigid temps prompt opening of emergency warming centers

Temperatures in the low teens and a negative wind chill factor expected later this week have prompted the state to open emergency warming centers for the first time this season.

The announcement came Tuesday as temperatures in Connecticut were forecast to dip dangerously low Wednesday night through Tuesday, activating the state’s “severe cold weather protocol,” the governor’s office said.

Torrington residents can visit the City

Hall auditorium at 140 Main St., second floor, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday to stay warm. The Sullivan Senior Center at East Albert Street and the Torrington Library at 12 Daycoeton Place are also available during regular hours. The senior center is for those 55 and older.

Torrington police Sgt. Jay Peters said the department would direct people to the Community Soup Kitchen from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the city overflow shelter from 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

“If anyone is in need of shelter, call 211 to find the nearest available location.” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy

Those in need can stop in at the department to receive assistance.

In Winsted, a series of local businesses and organizations will provide a warm place for those in need to spend some time during the cold spell, according to the town Civil Preparedness Office. Emergency Director Steve Williams made the announcement Tuesday afternoon.

Warming centers include: the Town Hall, 338 Main St.; the Blanche McCarthy Senior Center, 80 Holabird Ave.; the Open Door Soup Kitchen, 160 Main St.; the Beardsley & Memorial Library, 40 Munro Place; the Winsted Area Volunteer Ambulance headquarters at 655 Main St., and the Hungerford Emergency & Medical Care Lobby at Winsted Health Center, 115 Spencer St. The warming centers will be open until Jan. 2, Williams said.

A number of local businesses have also volunteered to open their doors as warming centers, Williams said. These include: the Dunkin’ Donuts locations on Main Street and Holabird Avenue; Winsted News; Kent Pizza; the McDonald’s on South Main Street McGrane’s; ABC Pizza and Northwest CT Realty, Main Street.

Hours of availability vary. The businesses will be open during their normal hours, Williams said. The Senior Center is designated for those 55 and older and the disabled.

Of the local institutions, the lobby at the Winsted Health Center has the most extensive hours, Williams said. It will be open 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Meanwhile, officials are advising residents to stay indoors, and to dial 211 if they don’t have a place to stay. They can also contact or visit local police departments, who can help direct people to shelter, officials said.

“With bitter cold temperatures expected over the next couple of days, we must all take precautions and continue to protect the most vulnerable among us,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said in a release. “If anyone is in need of shelter, call 211 to find the nearest available location. I also encourage local communities to consider opening warming centers or other facilities to assist those in need.”

The severe weather protocol means the state’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Department of Social Services, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and Department of Housing work with 211 and the shelters to ensure vulnerable people, like the elderly and homeless, are protected from the severe cold, the governor’s office said.

The low Wednesday will be around 10 degrees, with wind chills making it feel like zero, according to the National Weather Service. The overnight low will stay in the teens through Sunday night. There’s a 30 percent chance of snow Friday and Saturday.

“Arctic high pressure builds into the area, with dry and progressively colder conditions developing into the week,” the weather service said of the tri-state area. “Daytime temperatures will generally reach into the teens and mid-20s, while lows will drop into the single digits and teens. These temperatures will be around 10 to 15 degrees below climatological normals.”

Serious cold-related injuries and health risks can occur when the body loses its ability to warm itself, a condition known as hypothermia. Hypothermia can result in permanent tissue damage or even death if the warning signs are ignored, according to a press release.

Signs of hypothermia can include fatigue, drowsiness, uncontrolled shivering, cool bluish skin, slurred speech, clumsy movements along with irritable or irrational and confused behavior. Hypothermia can slowly overcome a patient who has been chilled by low temperatures, a brisk wind or wet clothing, the release said.

“What can occur with hypothermia is that the onset can happen gradually, and that’s the real danger,” said Dr. Gail D’Onofrio, medical director of the department of emergency medicine at Yale New Haven Hospital. “People often can think they are just cold and will gradually warm up but when that doesn’t happen due to prolonged exposure to cold weather, wind or wet clothing, hypothermia can quickly move in and effect a person without their realizing it. It then becomes imperative for that person to seek out medical treatment by understanding the warning signs.”

D’Onofrio also warned that as the colder weather approaches, those who work outside are the ones most likely to fall victim to inclement weather. Prolonged exposure to the elements can place a person in danger of frostbite, which usually affects the extremities like fingers, toes, hands, feet, ears and the nose.

“Frostbite is the deep freezing of layers of skin and tissue where the skin becomes hard and numb, and can look pale and waxy white,” she said. “This is extremely dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.”

According to D’Onofrio, people can help protect themselves by being aware of changing weather conditions, learning the signs of hypothermia and frostbite, selecting proper clothing, taking short breaks in warm shelter, avoiding fatigue and exhaustion, keeping your body energized with warm, sweet beverages and using the buddy system.

For a list of other Connecticut shelters, dial 211 or visit 211ct.org.