Town Of Greenwich Warns Of Cold Temperatures

GREENWICH, CT — With frigid temperatures in the forecast for this week, the town of Greenwich is reminding residents to take precautions against the cold.

There is currently a Special Weather Statement in effect for southern Fairfield County until 4 a.m. Tuesday that warns of wind chills of near 0 to 10 below zero.

Tuesday will see a high near 20 degrees, with wind chill values between -5 and 5, according to the National Weather Service. There will be a low around 12 with wind chill values between 5 and 10 Tuesday night.

The town of Greenwich and the Greenwich Police Department are reminding residents about the dangers of hypothermia, frostbite and the increased use of heating sources.

"Extreme weather conditions are classified as near freezing or below freezing temperatures. Exposure to these weather conditions, whether indoors or outside, can cause serious or life threatening health emergencies. Although anyone can be affected by the cold, infants, children, the elderly and those with medical conditions are particularly at risk," Greenwich's Department of Health said Monday.

The GPD offered up the following safety tips

• Take all pets indoors.
• Never use your oven for heat.
• Never bring charcoal or gas grills indoors (they are a carbon monoxide hazard).
• Use electric space heaters with extreme care; avoid placing them near curtains or other flammable materials and turn them off before going to bed.
• Make sure all portable heat-producing appliances are unplugged when not in use (irons, hair devices, etc.).
• Use candles only as a last resort, and never leave candles unattended.
• Keep dryer vents clear of snow and ice.
• Check to make sure that you have enough heating oil to get through the weather.
• Keep heat at adequate levels or leave faucets open with a slight drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Locate the main water shut off valve in your home and mark it for quick identification. Learn how to turn it off, and educate others in your household. If a water pipe bursts, shutting your home’s main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
• Leave kitchen cabinet doors open if pipes are subject to freezing. This will allow heat to reach the pipes.
• Don’t use an open flame to thaw pipes. If your pipes do freeze, use a hair dryer or rags soaked in hot water to thaw lines.
• Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces. This will help prevent frozen pipes, avoiding property damage and the costs of repairs. Additionally, insulating hot water pipes will decrease your wait time for warm water.
• Protect your water meter from icy drafts and freezing temperatures. Most frozen meters are caused by drafts from an open basement door or window.
• Double check your property for drafts as the cold weather sets in. Seal openings in the basement foundation wall where cold air may enter. Stuff holes with insulation and fix broken window panes. A tiny opening may cause exposed pipe or the meter to freeze.

Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday said that he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to be activated through 12 p.m. on Jan. 12.

The protocol will help to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold conditions, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.

While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

The Greenwich Public Safety Complex and the John Margenot Atrium at 11 Bruce Place will be available as a warming center, open 24 hours. Masks are required, and social distancing requirements will be implemented.

"While we’ve had relatively mild weather so far this winter, it looks like we are about to receive our first blast of freezing cold air beginning this evening," Lamont said in an announcement Monday.

"Being outdoors in these arctic conditions for extended periods is not safe, and we must spread the word that shelters and warming centers are open all across Connecticut. If you or someone you know is in need of shelter, call 2-1-1 and they will direct you to a nearby location and they can also provide transportation if necessary," he added.