Wilton Opens Warming Centers as Gov. Lamont Activates Severe Cold Weather Protocol

WILTON, CT — Town officials announced Monday that warming centers in Wilton will open this week as Connecticut braces for an extended period of unusually cold weather after Gov. Ned Lamont activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol.

Lamont’s order, effective 6 p.m. Monday and running through noon Sunday, Jan. 4, was issued in response to forecasts calling for dangerously low wind chill values and sustained cold conditions across the state. The protocol is designed to help protect vulnerable residents, particularly people experiencing homelessness or otherwise at risk from life-threatening cold exposure, by coordinating shelter services and transportation with municipal and nonprofit partners.

“So far this season we’ve experienced conditions that are unusually cold for what we typically receive during the month of December, and it’s looking like that trend will continue through the remainder of this week and leading into the new year,” Lamont said in the state announcement. “Being outdoors for extended periods in temperatures this cold is dangerous and can even be life threatening, and this protocol enables the state to work with our municipal and nonprofit partners to ensure shelter is available for anyone who needs it.”

In Wilton, officials listed the following warming center hours and locations for residents needing shelter or relief from the cold:

• Comstock Community Center, 180 School Rd. — Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Jan. 1 and closes early on New Year’s Eve.
• Wilton YMCA, 404 Danbury Rd. — Open Monday and Tuesday until 8:30 p.m.; Dec. 31: 5:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Jan. 1: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Jan. 2: 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Jan. 3: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Jan. 4: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Wilton Library, 137 Ridgefield Rd. — Open Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; closed Dec. 31 and Jan. 1; Friday Jan. 2: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday Jan. 3: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday Jan. 4: 1 to 5 p.m.

Town officials said anyone in need of shelter can call 2-1-1 to connect with services statewide or visit 211ct.org for a full list of locations. Residents can also contact Wilton Social Services at (203) 834-6238 for assistance.

The statewide protocol leverages a network of partners, including the United Way’s 2-1-1 system, to monitor shelter availability and assist residents in finding safe places to stay warm during the cold snap.

Officials and emergency management leaders have urged residents to check on neighbors and seek assistance if needed as the region experiences near-record low wind chills and temperatures expected to hover near or below freezing through early January. (CT.gov)