Prepare for the Winter Storm

winter
January 28, 2022
With the anticipation of inclement weather this weekend please make sure you are taking proper precautions and are stocked up on necessary supplies in case we get snowed in.

I have shared a few safety tips below, an update for Derby residents from the City, and links for alerts from Orange and Woodbridge.
 

Prepare Your Home

  • Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
  • Clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm.
  • Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
  • Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts).
  • Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.

Prepare Your Self

  • Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.
  • Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves.  Wool is a good choice, it is warm even when wet.
  • Wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Maintain your Awareness of Current Weather

Keep a close eye on Warnings, Advisories and Watches issued by the National Weather Service.

 

Winter Weather Terms

The entire state is currently under a Winter Storm Watch, which is issued for the possibility of severe life-threatening winter weather conditions including: heavy snow, heavy ice and/or near blizzard conditions. Forecasters are typically 50 percent confident that severe winter weather will materialize when a watch is issued.

Check for Outages

You can check periodically for outages and timelines from Eversource and UI by clicking the buttons below:
Eversource Outages
UI Outages
Update from Woodbridge
Sign-Up for Alerts from the Town of Orange
Impending Storm Announcement from the City of Derby

"The forecast for this weekend includes possible significant snow accumulation on Saturday. In preparation for the storm and to maximize our snow clearing operations, the Mayor’s office is asking that residents maximize their use of off-street parking. Additionally, we are opening the city garage for use free of charge. We are also encouraging the use of municipal parking lots on Caroline Street.

Remember alternate side of the street parking is in effect to assist in maximizing our snow clearing operations. Violators of the alternate side of the street parking not only hinder our snow clearing operations but are subject to ticketing by the police department.

In January parking is allowed only on the odd-numbered side of the street only. Click here to access the link to the winter parking regulation."

 
Protecting Our Children Online
[CONTENT WARNING] - Discussion about online abuse and exploitation of children below:

On Tuesday, February 8th at 7PM, I will host a virtual discussion on how to protect our children from the threat of online abuse and exploitation. My dear friend and founder of Safe from Online Sex Abuse (SOSA), Roo Powell, will join the discussion to offer insight on just how kids are being targeted.

As the Vice-Chair of the Committee on Children, addressing the growing concerns of online abuse and exploitation is a priority of mine in the legislature. I am excited that Roo will bring a wealth of knowledge on what other states have already implemented to combat this issue in order to keep our kids safe.

I hope you will join us for this important discussion either via Zoom, or Facebook LIVE, just click the button below to register. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the event, but if you would feel more comfortable submitting your questions anonymously, you can click the button below and send it in ahead of time.
Register for Discussion
Submit a Question
 
FREE COVID Tests & N-95 Masks
This is just a reminder that every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests completely FREE.

If you haven't ordered yours already, you can click the button or image below, enter your mailing information on the USPS webpage, and then will receive an emailed confirmation code. you can also call 1(800) 232 - 0233 or 1(888) 720 - 7489 (TTY). It's that easy!

The USPS says orders will usually ship within 7-12 days.
Order FREE At-Home COVID Test
You are also eligible to receive FREE N-95 masks at pharmacies and community health centers.

Here is all you need to know about collecting your free masks next week:
 
Volunteer in Derby
The City of Derby is looking for volunteers to serve on various boards and commissions of the City and to help organize community activities. Volunteer board members are the backbone of municipal government and represent a vital source of insight and vision for Derby. You can sign-up easily online!

If you know someone who is interested in serving the City of Derby in a volunteer capacity, please click the button below to indicate what area of interest you have in volunteering.
Learn More & Volunteer
 
Coffee & Conversation
Next Friday, February 4 from 8AM - 9AM, I will join some of my legislative colleagues for a coffee hour to discuss agendas, and hear your priorities. With session just under two weeks away, this is a great opportunity to share your questions, ideas, concerns, and solutions with us.

No registration is needed for the event, just click the button below to join us next week!
Join the Conversation