Vermont Business Magazine The National Weather Service is warning of extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills on Friday and Saturday (February 3-4). These temperatures have the potential to pose a danger to health and property. A Wind Chill Watch is in effect from late Thursday night to Saturday evening. Wind chill values could reach as low as 30 to 45 degrees (F) below zero. Burlington has already announced that it will open warm shelters Thursday to Saturday. Other municipalities are likely to do the same.
“Extreme cold weather is nothing new for most Vermonters, but it’s important to know the resources available to be prepared if needed,” said Governor Scott. “Several Vermont agencies and departments continue to work to ensure support is available for those in need, so please do not hesitate to reach out.”
The Vermont Agency of Human Services, community organizations and municipalities are working to expand daytime and overnight shelter options for people experiencing homelessness during the coldest hours this weekend. Vermonters in need of heating assistance or shelter can call 2-1-1.
A list of shelters will be updated at: https://vem.vermont.gov/news/shelters
The Vermont State Police will also provide ‘freeze patrols’ during which troopers will patrol the state’s two interstate highways during the overnight hours, when troopers typically are off duty. The purpose of the patrol is to look for and assist stranded motorists.
Vermonters can take additional steps to support their family, pets, and neighbors safe during cold weather, including:
- Be a good neighbor. Check with older Vermonters or others who may need assistance to ensure they have heat and are safe.
- Limit outdoor activities during the coldest hours. Also, consider your pets and limit their time outdoors.
- Ensure you have sufficient heating “fuel” (including wood). If you lose heat, use only safe alternate heating sources like a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater and take the necessary safety precautions. Test smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors and ensure heat sources are venting properly.
- Keep blankets in your vehicle in the event you are stranded by a breakdown or minor accident and must wait for help. Ensure your vehicle has sufficient fuel and other fluids, good tire pressure, and the battery is in good condition.
- Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens, and sturdy waterproof boots, protecting your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
- Excessive exposure can lead to frostbite, which is damaging to body tissue that is frozen. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately. Slowly warm the affected areas as you await medical assistance.
- Hypothermia can occur in extreme cases. The warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care. If medical assistance is not available, slowly warm up the person, body core first, wrapping them in a blanket or using your own body heat. Do not warm the extremities first, for this drives the cold blood towards the heart and can lead to heart failure. Do not give the person alcohol, coffee, tea, or any hot food or beverage. Warm liquids are best.
- If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.
For weather, road, or emergency updates sent directly to your e-mail or cell phone sign up for Vermont Alert at http://www.vtalert.gov.
Forecast information: www.weather.gov/btv or www.weather.gov/aly.
Vermont Department of Health Winter Weather Safety (includes translated materials): healthvermont.gov/winter-weather
Burlington Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Shelter Open Thursday to Saturday
Today, Mayor Miro Weinberger announced that the City will open an extreme cold weather emergency shelter at the Miller Center at 130 Gosse Court this week, hours of operation will be Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5 pm to 8 am. The City supported day warming shelter operated by CVOEO will extend its hours to be Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 12 pm.
“With the extreme cold weather forecast for later this week, we are very concerned about exposure risks to any community members who are sleeping unsheltered and other vulnerable people without adequate home heating to stay safe in these very cold temperatures,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “In response, our team in the Department of Community and Economic Development, led by Special Assistant to End Homelessness Sarah Russell, worked quickly with the Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department of Emergency Management, the Red Cross, and local service providers, to open a temporary emergency shelter at the Miller Center. We urge Burlingtontians to stay indoors and stay safe, and to help our community by checking in on friends and neighbors who may need assistance.”
The National Weather Service is warning of extremely cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills on Friday, February 3, and Saturday, February 4. A Wind Chill Watch is in effect from late Thursday night to Saturday evening. Wind chill values in Vermont could reach as low as 30 to 40 degrees (F) below zero. To follow the NWS forecast and check current conditions visit: www.weather.gov/btv
A list of warming and shelter locations in Vermont will be updated at : https://vem.vermont.gov/news/shelters
Important information:
- Anyone in need of shelter or heating assistance should call 2-1-1.
- The Burlington Extreme Cold Weather Emergency Shelter will be located at the Miller Center at 130 Gosse Court, Burlington. Hours of Operation are Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 8 am. For assistance including transportation, call (802) 829-6326.
- The Community Resource Center (CRC) located at 228 North Winooski Ave, Burlington remains available as a daytime warming location and has extended its hours during the extreme cold weather period to be Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 am – 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 8 am – 12 pm. More information about the CRC is available online at: https://www.cvoeo.org/get-help/community-resource-center
·Vermont Department of Health Weather Safety information, including translated materials, is available online at: https://www.healthvermont.gov/environment/climate/winter-weather
Social Media:
VEM: https://www.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement/ and https://twitter.com/vemvt
VT State Police: https://www.facebook.com/VermontStatePolice/ and https://twitter.com/VTStatePolice
VT Division of Fire Safety: https://www.facebook.com/VTFireMarshal and https://twitter.com/VTFireMarshal
NWS Burlington: https://www.facebook.com/NWSBurlington/ and https://twitter.com/NWSBurlington
NWS Albany: https://www.facebook.com/NWSAlbany/ and https://twitter.com/NWSAlbany
VT Agency of Transportation: https://www.facebook.com/VTransontheroad/ and https://twitter.com/AOTVermont
VT Department of Health: https://www.facebook.com/HealthVermont/ and https://twitter.com/healthvermont
2.1.2023 Montpelier www.vermont.gov