Patrick Biggins

Another severe cold weather protocol goes into effect today through Wednesday at noon. A frigid period is expected to deliver some of the coldest temperatures we've experienced this winter, especially overnight, when temperatures will dip into the single digits, and wind chills will drop below zero.
 
The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from severe cold, which can be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

A cold-weather resource guide, including warming centers, for East Hartford can be found HERE. Manchester residents, please click HERE.

In case you were wondering, when the severe cold weather protocol is in effect:

• The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.

With a major snowstorm predicted this weekend, I've included basic tips from the Red Cross to prepare for a major winter snowstorm.

In addition, if you don't have a generator but are considering acquiring one, now might be a good time to do so.

If you do have a generator, then ensure it's in working order, that it's in a safe location to operate (not in an enclosed space), and there is fuel to run it.

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.

Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope Program is about ensuring that everyday interactions are safer and more respectful for people with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Beginning this year, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles will begin providing Yellow Envelopes as part of a larger education and training effort for first responders across the state. 

This program helps bridge gaps in high-stress moments, when some individuals may need additional tools for disabilities that are not immediately visible. In doing so, the program promotes understanding, patience, and safer outcomes for everyone involved.
 
The Yellow Envelope was modeled after the already-established blue envelope initiative, which started in 2020 and was aimed exclusively to support people with autism. Connecticut also has a green envelopes program, started in 2005, for drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For more information, please click HERE.

Full disclosure? I hope that you're encouraged to pick up a book, any book, and just read. Reading is a wonderful way to relax, relieve stress, enhance brain activity, and more.

In the last few weeks, I've read:

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid 
 
When an educator gets put into the space program to become an astronaut, that journey is accompanied by the family complexity that comes with being in the space program. This is a good read. I would recommend this book to a friend, but it’s not going in my top ten.
 
The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer
 
This is a great book about the main character discovering her power and her family history. The whole story is about coming into your own as a parent and dealing with the loss of a beloved grandparent, which hit home for me. I would recommend this one.