Activation of Severe Cold Weather Protocol – February 2 through February 5

The State of Connecticut has activated its severe cold weather protocol from 12:00pm on Thursday, February 2, 2023 through 12:00pm on Sunday, February 5, 2023 in anticipation of very low temperatures during this time frame. 

Due to the upcoming expected low temperatures, the Town of Simsbury and the Department of Community and Social Services would like to remind residents of the best practices to stay warm. It is essential to stay warm and dry, and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.  If you have ceiling fans run them in the clockwise direction to push warm air back down to the floor; block drafts with pool noodles, towels, or blankets; and keep your thermostat set at a steady temperature. If you must be outside, dress warmly and be sure to cover your head and hands, and protect yourself from the elements as best as possible.  Try to stay inside where it is warm and please check on elderly family members and neighbors, and never leave children or pets in an unattended vehicle.

During times of extreme cold, steps should be taken to protect your pipes from freezing.  It is recommended that you keep your home heated at no lower than 55 degrees, leave cold water dripping from your faucets, and open cupboards to allow heat to circulate around the pipes.  Locate your shut-off valves in case of emergency.

It is essential to also take caution while heating your home.  If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful. Turning on the stove for heat is not safe.  Never use generators, gas or charcoal grills, camp stoves, or similar devices inside your home, in basements, in garages, or near windows. The fumes are deadly. Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space

Please visit the following link for additional details on preparedness: https://www.ready.gov/.

The Library is open during normal business hours should you need a warming center during this time (Thursday, 9:30am-8:30pm; Friday and Saturday, 9:30am-5:30pm; Sunday, 1:00pm-5:00pm).

For further information, or if you or someone you know is at risk due to the extremely low temperatures, please call the Simsbury Community and Social Services Department at 860-658-3283 between the hours of Monday 8:30am-7:00pm, Tuesday through Thursday 8:30am-4:30pm, and Friday 8:30am-1:00pm.

Should you or anyone you know be in need of shelter, call 211 at any time. For emergencies please call 911.