BRATTLEBORO — With frigid and snowy weather in the forecast, the community is making preparations for the most vulnerable.
Fire Chief Jay Symonds said temperatures are supposed to be coldest on Saturday morning and could reach -14 degrees.
"That's not cold enough to declare a local state of emergency but I've talked with Beloved Community Winter Shelter," he said of the Town Crier Drive facility. "They're going to have 15 beds available. Groundworks is going to have 40 beds available. We'll continue to monitor the situation and publish new information as things change."
Groundworks has its Drop-In Center open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Community members also are invited to warm up at 69A at 134 Elliot St., which offers resources and aid to the unhouse, during the day.
The town said it's getting ready for "very cold temperatures this weekend and urges all community members to take necessary precautions."
"We are continuing to monitor the evolving weather pattern, which may include a significant snowfall event from Sunday to Monday," an announcement states. "Community members are strongly encouraged to check on neighbors, family members, and anyone who may be vulnerable to the cold. Simple check-ins can help prevent cold-related emergencies."
A winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service for Sunday through Monday night says snow accumulation could total more than 7 inches. Dangerous travel conditions also are possible.
Groundworks' Outreach Team has been out in the community on Wednesday and Thursday, said Libby Bennett, executive director of Groundworks. They've been offering supplies and getting the word out about the Beloved Shelter.
Those who are otherwise unsheltered are asked to call the front desk at the Groundworks Drop-In Center at 802-302-8300 for information on bed availability on any given night. With the extreme cold weather coming this weekend, the Drop-In Center will extend its hours to be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
"This winter has been especially difficult with so many people living unsheltered in our community," Bennett said.
Teams at Groundworks are aware of 59 households living unsheltered in the southern part of Windham County, which Bennett said they know is an undercount.
Lisa Marie, co-coordinator of 69A, said her group is requesting "donations of anything that anyone can think of to keep somebody alive — propane, money for hotel rooms, coats, sleeping bags, ski pants, snow suits, whatever."
Her plan is to try to open at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday and close around 4 p.m. or later. Usually, 69A is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., she said, "but we're going to try to keep as many people inside as long as possible."
Those without shelter are at risk for hypothermia, frostbite and other pain, she said.
"It hurts to be outside for 5 minutes to go get wood or to go walk a dog," she said. "Now, imagine being out there all night and all day and not having a place to go to warm up."
Snow can make it difficult to get around, Frank Edward Heart, 69, said at 69A on Thursday afternoon. He's been homeless off and on for several years.
"It's pretty easy to survive around here," he said. "Some places aren't."
The town advises to "keep space heaters at least 3 feet from combustibles, never use ovens or stoves to heat homes, [and] ensure heating vents and chimneys are clear to prevent carbon monoxide buildup." Pets should not be left outdoors for extended periods, according to the announcement.
The town encourages residents to "remain indoors, when possible, limit time outside, and watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia." Anyone experiencing an emergency should call 911 immediately.
Kristopher Radder contributed to reporting.
