Chris Poulos

• Insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing by wrapping exposed pipes with heat tape or foam insulation.
• Seal leaks around windows and doors to keep the cold air out.
• Check your chimney or flue for blockages to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Stock up on firewood or other fuel for your heating system, if applicable.
• Ensure your home has adequate fire extinguishers and working smoke detectors.

Gather supplies:

• Build an emergency kit that includes food, water, non-prescription medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, a radio, blankets and warm clothing.
• Consider additional needs for infants, young children, older adults or anyone with disabilities.
• Charge your cell phone and other electronic devices.
• Fill your car's gas tank and have a winter emergency kit, including a shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, blankets and a first-aid kit.

Plan for power outages:

• Have alternative lighting sources, such as battery powered candles or lanterns.
• Have a battery powered radio to stay informed.
• Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to preserve food.

Make a plan for your pets:

• Ensure they have adequate food, water and bedding.
• Prepare a safe place for them to stay indoors.

During the storm:

• Avoid traveling unless necessary. Roads may be dangerous.
• Use heat sources safely and never use generators, grills or charcoal-burning appliances indoors. Open a window slightly to provide ventilation.

After the storm, check on your neighbors – especially elderly or vulnerable neighbors – who may need assistance and volunteer your time and skills, if possible.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• National Weather Service: weather.gov
• Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection: portal.ct.gov/demhs

I hope this information is helpful! Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Please continue reading below for other noteworthy items, and thanks as always for taking the time to read them!

This month, I am visiting residents in the 81st District to check in with them ahead of the 2024 legislative session, which runs February 7-May 8. As always, I am here to help, listen to your ideas and take action. I currently serve as a member of the Commerce, Education and Veterans' and Military Affairs Committees.

Also, if you want to reach out with your thoughts on a particular issue or legislative priority, my contact information is below:

Email: Chris.Poulos@cga.ct.gov
Cell: (203) 520-1243
Facebook: @StateRepChrisPoulos
Website: housedems.ct.gov/Poulos

Please do not hesitate to contact me directly and immediately if you have questions or would like to share your concerns. I look forward to talking to you soon!

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Office of Engineering is developing plans to resurface the roadway, rehabilitate bridges, and upgrade roadside safety on I-84 Eastbound in Southington and Plainville.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in September 2025, with construction anticipated to start in spring 2026, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding, and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits. This project will be undertaken with 90% federal and 10% state funds.

If anyone has any questions or comments on this project, contact Sebastian Cannamela, Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-2698 or by e-mail at Sebastian.Cannamela@ct.gov.  Please make reference to State Project No.131-209.

The Knights of Columbus will host their annual Basketball Free Throw Challenge on January 20 at St. Luke Catholic School, 133 Bristol Street. This competition is FREE for all youth ages 9-14 (age as of January 1).

Registration opens at 12:30 p.m.; competition starts at 1 p.m. In the event inclement weather, the competition will be postponed until January 27.

For additional details, please email mkryzanski@yahoo.com.

Connecticut is expanding residents’ access to affordable, high-speed internet, devices, and training.



The state’s draft digital equity plan – as well as executive summaries available in English and Spanish – have been published online at ct.gov/DigitalEquity.

This release begins a 30-day public comment period, during which residents can submit their feedback through that website, by emailing DigitalEquity@ct.gov, or by calling the State Digital Equity comment line at (860) 622-2032. All comments must be received by January 20. The Department of Administrative Services’ Commission for Educational Technology will consider all feedback and make revisions to the plan before finalizing it by the end of March.