Orange CT Emergency Management

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.

01/23/2026

Extreme Cold Readiness Tips
A prolonged period of cold air is expected to dominate the region over the next 14 days, increasing the likelihood of additional storm
systems moving through. This pattern may bring recurring bouts of snow, ice, and wintry mix, along with sustained below-average
temperatures.
It's important to take all necessary precautions to keep ourselves safe from the extreme cold weather. Planning ahead is key; aside from ensuring you have enough fuel to maintain heat, having enough food/supplies on hand, avoiding unnecessary travel and knowing where you will go if your home becomes too cold, there are some other great Cold Weather Readiness Tips available at the American Red Cross Website. Please click on the link below to check out these important and potentially lifesaving tips.

Each winter, hundreds are injured or killed by exposure to cold, vehicle accidents, and fires. Learn what to do stay safe during blizzards and other winter storms!

01/22/2026

Major Winter Storm Update - Sunday into Monday 1/25 -1/26

High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Rd. Warming Center with phone charging capabilities M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm. No Weekends or Holidays

Orange Police Department, 314 Lambert Rd, - 24 hours - 7 days a week. EXTREME COLD WARMING CENTER with phone charging capabilities. Regular PD staff on duty. No sleeping quarters or showers available at this location.

Emergency Management will continue to monitor our shelter needs and recommend upgrading on an as needed basis.

Dial 211 for more information regarding warming and sheltering centers in the area.

01/14/2026

GOVERNOR LAMONT ACTIVATES CONNECTICUT’S SEVERE COLD WEATHER PROTOCOL THURSDAY NIGHT

Anyone in Need of Shelter is Urged to Visit 211ct.org or Call 2-1-1 For a List of Locations



(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and remaining in effect until noon on Friday, January 16, 2026, due to a blast of cold air that will impact the state during this period, including overnight temperatures that are expected to fall into the low to mid-teens with wind chills ranging between zero and ten degrees.



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.



“As another blast of cold air moves into the state Thursday night, we’re activating this protocol to ensure that shelters and warming centers are available for anyone who needs it,” Governor Lamont said.



The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:



The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.


For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CTPrepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.