Severe Weather Alert

East Hartford, CT—With the implementation of a severe cold weather protocol by the Governor, effective until Saturday, December 21 at 9 am, Mayor Marcia Leclerc would like to remind all residents to take precautionary measures against this bitter cold. Please, be reminded that elderly, infants and children are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme cold weather.

Residents are encouraged to wear layers, limit exposure to the outdoors and look for the warning signs of hypothermia. If you need a place to warm up, please consider visiting one of our warming centers listed below. Please note, the centers won’t have staff or special services, but citizens are welcome to come in and warm up.

Residents should recognize the signs of hypothermia, which can be fast and can come at a moment’s notice as the temperature decreases and exposure to the cold increases. Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit and includes symptoms such as shivering, slow, shallow breathing, confusion and memory loss, drowsiness or exhaustion, slurred or mumbled speech, loss of coordination, fumbling hands, stumbling steps, a slow, weak pulse and in severe hypothermia, a person may be unconscious without obvious signs of breathing or a pulse. If you notice any or all of these signs, call 911 immediately.

During the stretch of extremely cold weather, residents are asked to consider the following actions:

• Limit time outdoors, as frostbite can occur within as little as 10 minutes
• Dress in several warm layers and cover all exposed skin
• Check and protect water pipes, as prolonged cold will freeze the pipes
• Don't forget about pets and bring them inside

Check on neighbors, friends, family and elderly. Stay warm.