Stamford Opens Warming Centers As Frigid Weather Envelops the City

With the colder than normal temperatures and wind chills projected to continue in Connecticut through Thursday, and with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s activation of the State’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, Stamford has opened warming centers throughout the city.

The following warming centers are open for the times and locations listed:

• Chester Addison Community Center, 245 Selleck St., Monday – Friday (9am – 6pm)
• Stamford Family YMCA, 10 Bell St., Monday – Friday (9am – 6pm)
• Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 29 Grove St., Monday – Thursday (6pm – 9pm, no Fridays), Saturday (5pm – 9pm), Sunday (3:30pm – 9pm)
• Glenbrook Community Center, 35 Crescent St., Monday – Friday (8am – 9:30pm), Saturday – Sunday (10am – 9:30pm)
• Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd., 1st floor lobby, Monday – Friday (7am – 10pm)
• Jewish Community Center, 1035 Newfield Ave., Monday – Thursday (5:30am – 10pm), Friday (5:30am – 6pm), Saturday – Sunday (7:30am – 6pm)

During Severe Cold Weather Protocols, Inspirica, a Stamford-based provider of services to the homeless, will provide an overnight warming center from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next morning at 8 Woodland Pl., Stamford.

Cold Weather Safety Tips

The Stamford Department of Health & Social Services reminds all citizens of the following tips to stay safe during extreme cold:

Dress warmly, and in layers, even if you are just making a short trip to the mailbox. If you fall or a door locks behind you, you could be exposed for a longer period of time than you planned. Cover your skin. When the wind chill brings the temperature well below zero, be sure to cover your skin. In extreme cold, skin exposed to the cold air can get frostbite in just a few minutes.

If you have to go outside, you should wear:

• Hat
• Scarf or knit face mask to cover your face and mouth
• Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
• Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
• Water-resistant coat and boots

The temperature inside your home should be set according to your own activity level, health, and medications. What is an acceptable, fuel-saving temperature for an active family may not be safe for an older person who has difficulty moving or takes certain medications.

The elderly are especially susceptible to extremely cold temperatures. Check on elderly friends, family, or neighbors frequently.

Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.

Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical assistance if you have these signs:

Symptoms of frostbite can include: loss of feeling and loss of color and usually happens on the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.

Symptoms of hypothermia in adults can include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, drowsiness, or slurred speech.

In infants, symptoms of hypothermia can include bright red, cold skin and low energy.

Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol lowers the body’s ability to retain heat.

Make sure your car is ready for the extreme weather conditions. Get your vehicle winterized and make sure tires are in good condition. Check your car emergency kit and replace any items that are broken or are unsafe to use.

Ensure your pets are not outside for an extended period of time. If you notice an animal outside for an extended period of time contact its owner or the local animal control officer.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill. Many household items including gas - and oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, and charcoal grills produce this poison gas.

• Never use charcoal grills indoors.
• Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.
• Install battery-operated or battery backup CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
• Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.

To Prepare for and to Respond to Severe Weather visit:

Be Prepared Stamford: http://bepreparedstamford.org/cold-weather.aspx

CT Dept. of Public Health Cold Weather Safety Tips: http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3115&q=472542

FEMA’s Ready.Gov: www.ready.gov

National Weather Service: www.weather.gov