In the case of any emergency situation described by the provisions of § 3-6a or 28-1 or any other reason for which the Department of Motor Vehicles is closed or is unable to perform transactions with the public in an effective or secure manner, the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, with the approval of the Governor, may extend the expiration date or the period of validity of any registration, license, permit, certificate or other form or credential issued by said commissioner in accordance with any provision of the general statutes. In any such case in which the commissioner exercises the authority granted by this section, the commissioner shall take such actions, as said commissioner deems necessary or appropriate, to inform the public and all law enforcement agencies of the extension of such expiration date or period of validity.