Orange CT Emergency Management

07/14/2026

GOVERNOR LAMONT ACTIVATES EXTREME HOT WEATHER PROTOCOL FROM TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY
11:00 a.m. July 14th through 5:00 p.m. July 16, 2026

Cooling Centers Will Open and Can be Located by Visiting www.211ct.org or Calling 2-1-1

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

• Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
• Find an air-conditioned location. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
• Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
• Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat. As we lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common during very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.

To subscribe to emergency alerts through the state’s CT Alert notification system, visit ct.gov/ctalert.

06/30/2026

Extreme heat warning issued Wednesday to Saturday, Governor Activates Extreme Hot weather protocol. Please take appropriate precautions.

03/04/2026

02/06/2026

Update 02/06/2026: Extreme Cold and Snow Forecast

02/03/2026

GOVERNOR LAMONT EXTENDS DURATION OF SEVERE COLD WEATHER PROTOCOL AS COLD SPELL CONTINUES



(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is extending the duration of the state’s currently activated Severe Cold Weather Protocol to remain in effect through at least noon on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, as this long-duration stretch of brutally frigid temperatures in Connecticut continues.



The protocol was initially activated on Friday, January 23, 2026, and was most recently set to expire on Thursday, February 5, 2026. However, the updated forecast now indicates that the bitterly cold weather Connecticut has been experiencing will remain even longer with well below normal temperatures expected to persist for at least another week. In particular, overnight temperatures for this coming week are expected to dip into the single digits nearly every night.



This is the longest stretch of consecutive days Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been activated since 2015, when it was in effect for a 34-day period from January 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015.



“We haven’t seen a stretch of temperatures this cold in over a decade, and unfortunately it’s going to stick around for at least another week,” Governor Lamont said. “Weather this cold can be life threatening, and we have a network of state, municipal, and nonprofit partners who’ve been collaborating to ensure that shelter is available for anyone who needs a place to stay warm. I also want to remind everyone that leaving pets outdoors in these conditions can cause frostbite and hypothermia, and I strongly urge everyone to bring their pets indoors and protect them from this brutal weather.”



The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.



Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.