A parking ban is in effect in West Hartford from 11 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 6 until further notice, and an Extreme Cold Warning is in effect until 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 8.

Submitted

The West Hartford Fire Department, including the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), is urging residents to prepare for dangerously cold and potentially hazardous weather conditions expected this weekend.

Current forecasts call for light snow from late Friday night into Saturday, accompanied by strong winds and sharply colder temperatures.

A parking ban begins at 11 p.m. on Friday,.. Feb. 6 and will remain in effect until further notice. During a Parking Ban, no on-street parking is allowed so that Public Works crews can remove snow from curb to curb. Cars left on the road pose a safety hazard for everyone. The owner will be fined, and the vehicle may be towed.

Daytime highs on Saturday are expected to remain in the 20s, with overnight lows dropping to zero or below. Gusty winds may produce dangerously low wind chill values, increasing the risk to health and safety if proper precautions are not taken.

Residents are encouraged to limit time outdoors, dress in warm layers, and ensure all exposed skin is covered. Please check on elderly neighbors, individuals with access or functional needs, and others who may be especially vulnerable to extreme cold. Pet owners should bring animals indoors and ensure they have adequate warmth and shelter.

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Fire and Carbon Monoxide Safety

Periods of extreme cold often lead to increased use of alternate heating equipment, which significantly raises the risk of home fires and carbon monoxide incidents if not used properly.

Space Heater Safety

• Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Plug heaters directly into wall outlets – never into extension cords or power strips.
• Turn heaters off when leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Use only heaters with automatic shut-off and tip-over protection.

Fireplaces and Wood-Burning Stoves

• Use only chimneys and flues that have been cleaned and inspected annually.
• Burn only seasoned hardwood firewood—never trash, cardboard, or treated wood.
• Use a sturdy fireplace glass, screen, or other similar barrier to prevent sparks.
• Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, and store it outside, away from the home

Avoid Fuel-Powered Heaters Indoors

The West Hartford Fire Department strongly discourages the use of kerosene or propane heaters inside homes, garages, or enclosed spaces due to the serious risk of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use ovens, stovetops, or outdoor grills to heat your home.

Additional safety reminders include:

• Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed on every level of the home and function properly.
• Keep clear in case of an emergency.
• Clear snow from fire hydrants, as well as intake and exhaust vents for heating equipment and natural gas or propane meters.
• Use extra caution while driving, as cold temperatures and wind can create icy road conditions, and snow plowed to the roadway edges may reduce sight lines at intersections.
• Have a personal or family preparedness plan. Information on planning can be found on the American Red Cross site:
  • How to Prepare for Power Outages
  • How to Prepare for Emergencies/Winter Storms

Residents experiencing a heating emergency or power outage are encouraged to contact their utility provider and call 211 for information on available warming resources. In an emergency, dial 911.

For additional winter preparedness information, residents may visit:

• Ready.gov/Winter-Weather
• American Red Cross – How to Prepare for Emergencies
• West Hartford Office of Emergency Management

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