In the News

City of Springfield Cold Weather Emergency Response Taskforce Meets

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno instructed his cold weather response team be convened by Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris to discuss the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) document for cold weather activation.  The taskforce held a meeting this morning. The cold weather taskforce is charged with assuring the communication between City Departments, including fire, police and the shelters serving the homeless is as seamless as possible.

In addition with the anticipated artic freeze the city will activate the cold weather response plan from Wednesday, January 30, 2019 through Friday, February 1, 2019. The cold weather response team meeting was well attended by City Departments and representation from Friends of the Homeless and the Springfield Rescue Mission. Attendees included representatives from Springfield’s Police, Fire, Emergency Communications (911), 311, Law, Housing, Elder Affairs and Code Enforcement Departments and Mayor’s Office. Patrick Carnavale, Director of the Governor’s Western Massachusetts Office in Springfield, also attended.

“The taskforce is committed to assuring our residents are not on the streets and that we use all resources necessary to assure their health and safety," said Helen R. Caulton Harris, Commissioner of Health & Human Services.

The City of Springfield has revised the cold weather policy to increase the activation temperature from 10 to 20 degrees. In the event of an imminent cold weather emergency, Commissioner Caulton-Harris in consultation with Mayor Sarno, will call for the activation of the Cold Weather Emergency Response plan. The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services will be responsible for increasing awareness of cold weather precautions for the general public and implementing a comprehensive response plan. Cold weather “tips” will be disseminated to news media. Residents will be encouraged to call 911 to report the location of individuals who may need assistance, outreach and/or transportation to shelter locations. 

Cold weather emergency response measures will be activated at direction of the Commissioner of the Department of Health & Human Services using the following guidelines.

  • Closely monitor local news reports for updates on weather forecasts and storm impacts.
  • Make sure you have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency Supply Kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food and a manual can opener.
  • Minimize outside activities, particularly the elderly and very young and remember to consider your pets.
  • 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. 
  • 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. 
  • Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.
  • When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, take the       necessary safety precautions.  Keep a fire extinguisher handy; ensuring everyone knows how to use it properly. Test smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors.
  • If utilizing an emergency generator, read, understand and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Always operate emergency generators outdoors and away from any open window.  Make sure your generator is properly installed and grounded as you may be liable for damage or injury to other people and property that may result from improperly installed or operated equipment.

In Cold Weather Emergency situation, a “Prevention Team” will respond to calls from the Springfield Police Department and residents to assist persons who need transportation to shelter services. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause serious or life threatening health problems. Infants and the elderly are at high risk.

Other tips include:

•             Hats are a must. The head is where 30% of the body’s heat loss takes place.

•             Gloves and face protection are recommended in extremely cold weather.

•             Protect your animals during the cold weather. Do not leave animals outside. Provide shelter to keep your pets warm.

•             Food that needs no cooking or refrigeration.

•             Water stored in clean containers.

•             Medicines that any family member may need.

•             If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating make sure it has been inspected.

•             Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are near the place that you are heating.

•             Do not place a space heater within three feet of anything that may catch on fire.

•             Do not leave children unattended near a space heater.

•             Do not run cords of an electric space heater under carpets.

•             Check on elderly neighbors and individuals living independently with no support system.

Back
Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm