Willand Warming Center activated, will open during severe cold and storm events

The center located at 30 Willand Drive will be opened mostly when temps fall dramatically or severe storms are bearing down on the region (Courtesy photo)

The Tri-Cities of Rochester, Dover, and Somersworth, in partnership with Strafford County, will reopen the Willand Warming Center in Somersworth for this year's cold weather season. The center located at 30 Willand Drive provides emergency shelter only during extreme cold weather conditions to safeguard unsheltered residents.

The Willand Warming Center will operate from mid-November through April 1. Hours of operation will generally be from 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. during nights when weather conditions meet specific activation criteria.

Tri-Cities emergency management directors will monitor weather forecasts and coordinate activation decisions, which, issued, will be shared with key stakeholders and local organizations.

Activation criteria is as follows:

• Ambient temperatures at or below 28°F for four or more hours.
• Windchill temperatures at or below 20°F for four or more hours.
• Severe weather events, such as blizzards or Nor'easters, or any other hazardous weather conditions deemed necessary by Emergency Management Directors.

The center will be managed by East Coast Evolution Leadership LLC, under a contract with Strafford County, to ensure safe and efficient operations throughout the season. Each Tri-City EMD will manage media releases and communications for their respective municipality regarding Willand Warming Center dates and hours of operation.

Tri-City EMDs include Dennis Dube, Rochester Fire Chief; Perry Plummer, Dover Fire Chief; and Matthew Moore, Somersworth Fire Chief.