Kadeem Roberts

Dear Neighbor,

A Severe Cold Weather Protocol will be in effect through Wednesday, January 28 due to unusually cold weather. This protocol ensures shelters are available. People in need should visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find shelter.

Information for warming centers in Norwalk can be found in the graphic below. 

Red Cross has shared a few basic tips on how to best prepare for a major winter snowstorm:

 Have a Plan to Stay Warm

• Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside.
• Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid travel if you can.
• If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.
  • Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.

Gather Emergency Supplies

•  Gather food, water, and medicine before a winter storm. Stores might be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel.
• Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.
  • Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies you can carry with you if you need to go somewhere else to stay warm. Include critical backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
  • Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
• Ensure you have enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household.
• You may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
• Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots.
• Have a 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies. Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up).
• Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
• Stock up on winter storm preparedness kits, supplies, and other first aid supplies.

Plan to Stay Connected

•  Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Plan to monitor local weather and news.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio to use during a power outage.
• Understand the alerts you may receive:
  • A WATCH means Be Prepared!
  • A WARNING means Take Action!
• Create a support team to help everyone stay safe in a disaster. Plan how you can help each other.

Attention  Metro-North riders: there have been a few changes to the ticketing process:  

• Round-trip tickets have been retired. They’ve been replaced by Day Passes, which are valid from the time of purchase until 4:00 a.m. the following day. On weekdays, Day Passes cost 10% less than two one-way peak tickets, and on weekends they’re priced the same as two one-way off-peak tickets.
• Activate before boarding. Mobile tickets purchased through the TrainTime app must be activated before boarding the train. Tickets activated after boarding are subject to an $8 surcharge.
• “Pay-as-you-go” perk. When using the TrainTime app, after 10 rides within 14 days, your 11th ride is free.