Connecticut Extends Cold Weather Protocol Through February 5

Governor Ned Lamont extended Connecticut’s severe weather protocol through Thursday, February 5, marking the longest continuous cold-weather activation in more than a decade as state agencies report unprecedented demand for emergency services.

The extension coordinates emergency response across state and municipal agencies, linking them through a centralized call center that has fielded more than 2,400 calls since the protocol began January 21. The system connects residents to warming centers, emergency shelters, and utility assistance programs.

“We’re seeing demand levels we haven’t experienced since the polar vortex events of the early 2010s,” said Max Reiss, communications director for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “The sustained nature of this cold snap is pushing our emergency response systems in ways that brief weather events typically don’t.”

State data shows warming centers across Connecticut served 847 people during the first week of February, compared to 312 during the same period last year. New Haven County facilities reported capacity strains, with three temporary sites opened in Hamden and West Haven to handle overflow from primary locations.

The protocol automatically triggers when temperatures drop below 20 degrees or wind chills reach minus-10 degrees for extended periods. It remained active continuously since January 21, surpassing the previous record of 12 days set during February 2014.

Fairfield County saw particular pressure on services, with Bridgeport’s emergency management office reporting a 180% increase in calls for assistance compared to typical winter operations. Stamford opened two additional warming sites at community centers after its primary shelter reached capacity by January 30.

“The geographic scope is what’s different this time,” said Jennifer Cavallaro, regional coordinator for southwestern Connecticut emergency management. “Usually we see concentrated impacts in specific areas, but this weather system has affected service demand uniformly across the region.”

The state’s 2-1-1 information hotline logged 1,847 calls related to heating assistance and emergency shelter requests between January 21 and February 3, representing a 240% increase over the same timeframe in 2023. Hartford County accounted for the highest volume with 623 calls, followed by New Haven County with 487.

Eversource reported 127,000 customers requested assistance through the company’s hardship programs during the protocol period, with the majority seeking payment deferrals or emergency heating credits. The utility activated additional customer service staff and extended call center hours to manage the volume.

Connecticut’s emergency shelter network, which includes 47 permanent facilities and 23 seasonal locations, operated at 89% capacity during the extended cold period. The state opened six temporary sites in Hartford, New Haven, and Waterbury to prevent overcrowding at existing shelters.

“We’re dealing with both the immediate weather impacts and the compounding effects of sustained cold on vulnerable populations,” said Sarah Martinez, deputy commissioner for the Department of Housing. “People who might normally manage brief cold snaps are seeking assistance after two weeks of extreme temperatures.”

The protocol extension comes as the state continues managing various public health and safety initiatives, including coordination between agencies that has become more sophisticated since Connecticut restructured its emergency management systems following Hurricane Sandy.

Municipal officials report varying impacts across regions. Litchfield County communities, accustomed to harsh winter weather, maintained normal operations with existing resources. However, coastal areas typically moderated by Long Island Sound experienced unusual demand for services.

New London County activated its regional emergency operations center for the first time since last March’s nor’easter, coordinating response across 21 municipalities. Groton and New London jointly operated warming centers, sharing transportation resources to move residents between facilities.

The state’s Department of Social Services processed 892 emergency heating assistance applications during the protocol period, compared to its typical monthly average of 420. Processing times increased from three days to seven days due to volume, prompting the agency to assign additional staff to the program.

“We’re seeing applications from households that have never requested assistance before,” said David Chen, the department’s energy assistance coordinator. “The sustained cold is creating financial pressure on families who usually manage winter heating costs without help.”

Connecticut’s emergency food network also reported increased demand, with food banks distributing 34% more emergency boxes during the protocol period. The state’s anti-hunger coalition attributed the increase to families choosing between heating and grocery expenses.

Weather forecasters predict temperatures will return to seasonal averages by Friday, allowing the protocol to expire as scheduled Thursday evening. However, state emergency management officials indicated they would monitor conditions closely, given the extended strain on response systems.

The Connecticut Hospital Association reported emergency departments saw 23% more visits for cold-related injuries and illnesses compared to typical February patterns. Most cases involved elderly residents and individuals experiencing homelessness, according to preliminary data.

“This activation has tested our systems in ways that will inform our planning for future events,” said Michael Williams, the state’s emergency management director. “We’re already conducting preliminary assessments to identify improvements for our cold weather response protocols.”

The protocol’s expiration Thursday will return emergency services to normal winter operations, though warming centers in major cities will continue operating through March under standard seasonal schedules. State officials plan a comprehensive review of the extended activation by month’s end.