Anne Hughes

A major snowstorm is predicted this weekend. With climate change a reality, these weather events are expected to happen with greater frequency and intensity. 

Below, 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.

Another severe weather protocol went into effect today (Friday) at noon through Wednesday at noon. This frigid period is expected to deliver some of the coldest temperatures we've experienced this winter season, especially during the overnight hours when temperatures will get into the single digits, and wind chills will dip below zero.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. 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.

Power outages are to be reported directly to Eversource at 1-800-286-2000.

Only use 911 for true emergencies.

For Weston Residents
Sign up for town alerts from Everbridge. There is a link on the Town of Weston website here. 

It is also recommended that you follow our emergency management Facebook page- Westonct OEM

Weston residents can stop by the Public Works Department located at 78 Old Hyde Road if they need salt or sand to help with snow and ice removal. How this works:
The salt and sand are for Weston residents to use at their own home. Please, no commercial use, no landscapers.
Hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Do not enter the facility outside of these hours.

Bring your own buckets -- two 5 gallon buckets per household are allowed.
There is a shovel for you to use.

Inside the barn there is salt. This is manufactured for use on roadways and is a powerful deicer. Use it sparingly on your driveways and walkways, a little goes a long way. Although it is brown in color, it is pure salt.

Outside the barn is a large pile of sand, if you prefer to not use salt you can take two bucket of sand or a mixture of the two.
Lastly, no climbing on the piles! Please keep your children safely in the car.

For Easton Residents
Additional assistance can be provided by calling Easton Social Services Coordinator Daniel Simonelli at 203-268-1137.

For Redding Residents
There is a parking ban from Sunday to Tuesday. All vehicles must be moved off the streets.

Last week I joined my legislative colleagues, advocates, and families ahead of a joint Government Oversight and Accountability and Judiciary Committee hearing because our responsibility is clear: oversight only matters if the laws we pass are actually followed. When policy is ignored and violations go unanswered, we fail the people of Connecticut—especially those entirely in the care of the state.

This hearing follows a deeply troubling DOC audit and mounting evidence of systemic failures in our correctional system, including lapses in medical care, staff training, and fiscal accountability. What we are seeing is not abstract. It is a trail of abuse happening with our tax dollars, in our own backyard, and it has cost lives.

The preventable deaths of Ronald Johnson and Tyler Cole, who died just days apart while in DOC custody, underscore the urgency. The Office of the Inspector General found their deaths were linked to serious medical errors by a DOC contractor, including overprescribed medications and falsified nursing credentials. These men should be alive today.

The audit also revealed violations of state law, including the failure to return commissary funds to people upon release — money that legally belongs to them. That is not a clerical mistake; it is the state taking from people who often have nothing.

We also heard alarming concerns about reduced correctional officer training, the absence of trauma-informed practices, and vulnerabilities to human trafficking during incarceration and after release.

I am grateful to the advocates and directly impacted people who have raised these issues for years. We cannot normalize abuse, neglect, or preventable death in state custody. Connecticut does not have the death penalty, and our laws do not sanction medical neglect or cruelty.

That is why truly independent medical oversight of DOC healthcare is essential. Oversight cannot rely on the same system that failed. This is about dignity, humanity, and the rule of law. When the state deprives someone of their liberty, we assume full responsibility for their safety, health, and lives — and we must be held accountable.

Environmental advocates and lawmakers gathered in Hartford at the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters’ 26th annual Environmental Summit to outline priorities for the upcoming legislative session beginning Feb. 4. Please see coverage from CT News Junkie here.

I am committed to championing the League’s big priorities, including expanding solar, geothermal and thermal energy networks, resuming offshore wind projects, stopping expansion of natural gas infrastructure, expanding restrictions of forever pesticides, protection of riparian buffers on our waterways, and investment in nature-based solutions, and Making Polluters Pay Superfund!

Tall order for short session, but let’s GO!!!!