West Hartford Issues Cold Weather Warning, Tips For Weekend

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The West Hartford Fire Department, including the fire marshal’s office and the Office of Emergency Management, is urging residents to prepare for dangerously cold and potentially hazardous weather conditions this weekend.

Forecasts indicate light snow from late Friday night into Saturday, accompanied by strong winds and sharply colder temperatures.

Daytime highs on Saturday are expected to remain in the 20s, with overnight lows dropping to zero or below.

Gusty winds may produce dangerously low wind chill values, increasing health and safety risks.

Residents are encouraged to limit time outdoors, dress in warm layers, and ensure all exposed skin is covered.

The department also advises checking on elderly neighbors, individuals with access or functional needs, and others who may be especially vulnerable to extreme cold.

Pet owners should bring animals indoors and ensure they have adequate warmth and shelter.

Periods of extreme cold often lead to increased use of alternate heating equipment, which significantly raises the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide incidents if not used properly.

For space heaters, residents should keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn and plug them directly into wall outlets, never into extension cords or power strips.

Heaters should be turned off when leaving a room or going to sleep, and only models with automatic shut-off and tip-over protection should be used.

For fireplaces and wood-burning stoves, only chimneys and flues that have been cleaned and inspected annually should be used.

Residents should burn only seasoned hardwood firewood and use a sturdy fireplace glass, screen, or other similar barrier to prevent sparks.

Ashes should be disposed of in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, stored outside, and away from the home.

The West Hartford Fire Department strongly discourages the use of kerosene or propane heaters inside homes, garages, or enclosed spaces due to the serious risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Ovens, stovetops, or outdoor grills should never be used to heat a home.

Additional safety reminders include ensuring smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the home and function properly.

Residents should clear snow from fire hydrants, as well as intake and exhaust vents for heating equipment and natural gas or propane meters.

Extra caution is advised while driving, as cold temperatures and wind can create icy road conditions, and snow plowed to roadway edges may reduce sight lines at intersections.

Residents experiencing a heating emergency or power outage are encouraged to contact their utility provider and call 211 for information on available warming resources.

In an emergency, residents should dial 911.

Meanwhile, folks are urged to have a personal or family preparedness plan. Information on planning can be found on the American Red Cross site:

• How to Prepare for Power Outages
• How to Prepare for Emergencies/Winter Storms

Residents experiencing a heating emergency or power outage are encouraged to contact their utility provider and call 211 for information on available warming resources.

For additional winter preparedness information, residentsvisit:

• Ready.gov/Winter-Weather
• American Red Cross - How to Prepare for Emergencies
• West Hartford Office of Emergency Management