The National Weather Service predicts extreme cold starting Friday, February 3 through Sunday, February 5. Wind chill will push temperatures to feel like -16, -22, and 2 degrees respectfully.

In anticipation of very low wind chill values during the overnight hours Governor Lamont has activated the severe cold weather protocol effective Thursday, February 2 at noon, and through Monday February 5 at noon. Take precautionary measures against this bitter cold. Remember that elderly, infants and children are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. Dress in layers, limit exposure to the outdoors and look for the warning signs of hypothermia.

If you need a place to warm up, the following town facilities are open over the weekend. Town facilities will not offer any special services, but all are welcome to come in and warm up:

Raymond Library, 840 Main St., Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM, Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM, Sunday, 1 – 5 PM

Public Safety Complex, 31 School St., 24 Hours.

East Hartford Senior Center, 15 Milbrook Drive, Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturday 9 – noon.

Recognize signs of hypothermia. 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. 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.

In extreme cold weather, limit time outdoors as frostbite can occur in as little as 10 minutes. Dress in warm layers and cover exposed skin. Check and protect water pipes as prolonged cold will freeze them. Bring all pets inside. Check on your neighbors, friends, family and the elderly.

If you need shelter, call 2-1-1.