HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut emergency management officials said they'll talk daily with cities and towns over the next several days to make sure there's enough space in shelters now that sub-freezing temperatures are in the forecast.

Gov. Jodi Rell held a conference call on Tuesday with municipal leaders and state agency officials. She's urging municipalities to open shelters as soon as possible. She said the state has extra cots throughout Connecticut that can be quickly distributed, if needed.

State Braces For Blistering Cold Shelters Prepare For Influx Due To Cold Weather

“The primary concern is everyone who's suffering,” Rell said. “We want to make sure they're warm and off the street.”

Last month, 13,000 people were helped by state shelters, She said. Those shelters will likely reach capacity over the next few days, she said, when temperatures are expected to dip below zero.

“I don't think we've had that kind of temperature with that kind of wind chill in recent years, so we want to make sure everyone is safe,” Rell said.

Forecasters said Connecticut hasn't seen cold weather like this since last January, when temperatures dropped to -3.

Wednesday night to Friday morning is expected to be made worse by the wind chill. Rell and emergency officials asked Connecticut mayors Tuesday to turn any available space into an emergency heating shelter for their towns.

“We're all in this together, and we think the towns and cities will step up. We know the state is ready and poised to help people,” said James Thomas of the Department of Emergency Management.

Red Cross volunteers will help ensure each shelter has enough beds, bathrooms and food, he said.

If the local and state-run shelters fill up, the governor said she will open up state armories.

“No one's going to be turned away,” she said. “We'll find a place for them.”

A spokesperson for Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez said the “no freeze” policy the city has means it will guarantee a shelter spot for anyone left out in the cold.

In New Haven, The Columbus House, Immanuel Baptist Shelter and city’s overflow shelter will be open 24 hours a day during the cold freeze.

In West Haven, the city will provide shelter only at the former senior center in the basement of City Hall, 355 Main St., for anyone who needs it during City Hall’s normal business hours. Normal business hours are weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

West Haven Emergency Management Director Robert Schwartz, deputy chief of the Center Fire Department, will determine if City Hall stays open after normal business hours to accommodate those in need of shelter.

Schwartz said he’ll monitor the weather alert on a day-to-day basis and post information as it becomes available at City Hall.

People are reminded to bring their own medications, he said.

“It's very scary,” said Regina Suggs, of the Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministry soup kitchen. “You have so many people who are homeless. They're out all night sleeping in the street."

That's why the kitchen has extended its hours during the extreme weather conditions.

“Probably the first time in the last four years we're going to hit some dangerous weather conditions in terms of cold," Waterbury Mayor Mike Jarjura said.

The city also has an emergency plan if the temperature reaches dangerously cold levels. The plan includes school cancellations, emergency heating centers and what to do if homeless shelters overflow.

“If you prepare for the worst and it doesn't happen, then we're good, but it's good to be prepared," the mayor said.

Suggs plans to continue serving up hot meals

“This is what I do, and this is what I love to do," she said.

Meanwhile, local community action agencies are being asked to be prepared to make emergency fuel deliveries.

Anyone who needs more emergency information can call the state information line at 211.