Warming Centers Activated In Norwalk As Temperatures Drop

Information via the city of Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — Warming centers in Norwalk have been activated through the weekend in light of forecasted freezing temperatures, Mayor Harry Rilling announced Wednesday.

In a news release provided by the city, Rilling said weather forecasts project temperatures could reach a low of 19 degrees, with wind chill values between 10 and 20mph, beginning Wednesday evening.

Temperatures Thursday range from a high of 33 degrees to a low of 26 degrees. On Friday, temperatures range from a high of 30 degrees to a low of 17 degrees with a chance of snow showers.

Weekend temperatures also project freezing temperatures. By Monday, temperatures are expected to reach 36 degrees, Rilling said.

The mayor also encouraged anyone in need of further support or overnight shelter to call the Norwalk Community Resource Hub at (203) 854-7999 to work directly with a support specialist ready to help residents navigate local housing options.

Residents can also call 2-1-1, which allows community members to connect with local shelters and access transportation support to a shelter or community-based providers, according to Rilling.

Residents in need of warming options can access the following:

• Norwalk Police Department Community Room (available 24/7)
• Main Library
• South Norwalk Library

If possible, the city also recommends residents in need of shelter consider visiting friends and family members who have access to warm, secure living spaces during this period, Rilling said.

The city also reminds residents to take all safety precautions during extremely cold weather, including wearing layers outside and not staying outside for lengthy periods of time.

Residents should also remember to take all safety precautions when warming their homes, especially when planning to use 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 space heaters or kerosene heaters. Check with your local fire department to make sure that kerosene heaters are legal in your area.
• 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. FEMA and the American Red Cross have helpful apps that can provide real-time weather updates.

Additional winter weather safety tips can be found at www.norwalkct.org/snow.