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Extreme Cold Temperatures Expected This Week - Resources and Tips For Staying Safe & Warm

Posted on: February 1, 2023 - 3:30pm
Extreme cold weather alert kittery

An arctic airmass is expected to move through the state this week and into the weekend, bringing with it brisk winds and dangerously cold temperatures that could plunge into the negative 30s and 40s.  Please take precautions, stay home or somewhere warm whenever possible and check on your neighbors and other community members that may be at risk.

See below for a list of tips, resources and warming center locations to help you through this cold snap:

Fuel Check

Check oil and propane levels at home to make sure you have enough fuel to get you through the weekend.  Those without fuel who may need assistance are encouraged to contact local resources:

Fuel N More
Phone:  207-703-8288
 
Town of Kittery General Assistance
Phone: 207-475-1313
 
York County Community Action
Phone: 207-324-5762

Take Precautions at Home

 
  • Check that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are up to date and working.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from space heaters, wood stoves and radiators.  
  • Space heaters should be turned off when leaving the room or going to sleep.
  • Portable heaters should be plugged directly into a wall outlet and not used on an extension cord or power strip.
  • Keep pipes from freezing by opening cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing and leave your thermostat at the same temperature throughout the day and night.
  • Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.  Provide shelter for livestock and be sure their water supply is not frozen.

Limit Outdoor Exposure

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes preventing hypothermia and frostbite.  Both can be avoided by wearing layered clothing, gloves, hats and proper footwear to reduce skin exposure. 

stay warm

Find a Place to Get Warm

 

Warm up, relax, enjoy a book or free WIFI by visiting the Rice Public Library or Kittery Community Center.

The Rice Public Library, located at 8 Wentworth Street will be open during the following hours:
 
  • Wednesday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Saturday Extended Hours This Week: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

The Kittery Community Center, located at 120 Rogers Road will be open during the following hours:

  • Wednesday - Friday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

There are a number of warming shelters that will be available throughout York County this week:

York Village Fire Station Warming Center
1 Firehouse Drive, York, ME
Opens at 4:00 PM on Friday and will remain open until 8:00 AM on Sunday, 2/5.
 
York Beach Fire Department Warming Center
18 Railroad Ave, York Beach, ME
Opens at 4:00 PM on Friday and will remain open until 8:00 AM on Sunday, 2/5.
 
Sanford Memorial Gym Warming Center
678 Main Street, Sanford, ME
Opens at 12:00 PM on Friday night and will remain open overnight.
 
Cross Roads House Warming Center
600 Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH
Open nightly through Saturday from 7:00 PM - 8:00 AM.
 
Operation Blessing
600A Lafayette Road, Portsmouth, NH
Open nightly through Saturday from 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM.
 

The list will be updated throughout the week and residents are encouraged to visit the Maine Emergency Management Agency website for the most up to date information by clicking here or by dialing 2-1-1 via telephone.

Please stay safe, stay warm and check on friends, family and neighbors that may be at risk.