Simsbury Urges Vigilance, Offers Safety Tips During Latest Cold Snap

SIMSBURY, CT — With a batch of steady freezing weather upon us, Simsbury has issued information on how folks can stay safe locally.

Starting Monday, Dec. 29, through Sunday, Jan. 4, the town has activated its severe cold protocols in line with the State of Connecticut, which activated its protocol on Monday.

"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," wrote the town in an announcement Monday.

"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."

For those who must be outside, residents are urged to dress warmly and be sure to cover their head and hands.

"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," wrote the town.

Residents should also protect their home's pipes from freezing, the town said.

For example, it is recommended that people keep their home heated at no lower than 55 degrees, leave cold water dripping from their faucets, and open cupboards to allow heat to circulate the pipes.

Folks should also locate shut-off valves in case of an emergency.

The town also warned of safety issues regarding the hearing of your home.

"If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, be extremely careful," wrote the town.

"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."

Officials said residents should 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

Emergency options

For those with no other options, the Simsbury Public Library, 725 Hopmeadow St., is open during normal business hours, should people need a warming center during this time.

Library hours are Monday to Wednesday 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (closed Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in observation of New Year's Day); Friday and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

For further information or if you or someone you know is at risk due to the extremely low
temperatures, call the Simsbury Community and Social Services Department at 860-658-3283
Monday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Should you or anyone you know need shelter, call 211 or visit https://www.211ct.org/ at any time. For emergencies, call 911.

For more information on winter preparation tips against the cold, click on this link.