Warming Centers Activated In Norwalk Ahead Of Forecasted Cold Temperatures: City

NORWALK, CT — Mayor Harry Rilling announced Thursday evening the city has activated its warming centers effective immediately until Tuesday, Dec. 9, at noon due to a forecasted upcoming arctic cold blast.

In a news release provided by the city, Norwalk officials said temperatures are expected to average between 10°F and 20°F over the next four days.

Starting Thursday, temperatures will be unseasonably cold with lows in the single digits and wind chills close to zero across most of the state, according to the city.

Temperatures will fluctuate over the weekend, however, they will remain well below normal with highs in the 30s and overnight lows near 20°F, according to the city.

Frigid air is expected to return Monday with highs in the mid-20s and lows in the single digits. Some relief is expected on Tuesday with highs back in the 30s, city officials said.

"This arctic outbreak, starting tonight, will be surprisingly sudden and early in the season for this kind of weather," Rilling said in a news release. "That's why I am issuing the city's cold weather protocols until noon on Tuesday. We also encourage residents to check on neighbors and vulnerable friends and family members and to call 2-1-1 to help anyone who may be unhoused seek shelter."

Unhoused residents in need of overnight shelter are encouraged to call 2-1-1 (CT United Way/Infoline), which allows community members to connect with local shelters and access transportation to a shelter or community-based provider, according to the city.

The city's Community Resource Hub is also available, and trained navigators can be reached at (203) 854-7999 or at City Hall during business hours, according to the city.

In addition to contacting 2-1-1 for assistance, residents in need of warming options can access the following, according to the city:

• The Norwalk Police Department Community Room is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• The Main Library.
• The South Norwalk Library.

The city also reminds residents to take all safety precautions during extreme cold weather, including wearing layers when outside and avoiding prolonged exposure.

Residents are also asked to remember to take all safety precautions when warming their homes, especially when using a wood stove, fireplace or space heater.

The following safety tip reminders from the CDC were provided by the city:

• Turning on the stove for heat is not safe; have at least one of the following heat sources in case the power goes out:
  • Extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm winter coats.
  • Fireplace that is up to code with plenty of dry firewood or a gas log fireplace.
  • Portable electric space heaters.
• Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Make sure to keep them away from any flammable materials, like curtains or blankets.
• 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.
• Have your heating system serviced by a qualified technician every year.
• Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
• Make sure you have proper ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use—don’t substitute.
• Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least 3 feet away from drapes, furniture, or bedding. Never cover your space heater.
• Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
• Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
• Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard, but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
• Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
• If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.

The city also encourages residents to monitor the weather and the National Weather Service as conditions change.