Month: September 2023

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: the importance of screening and early detection

by
Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers among women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States in 2023, and 43,700 women will die from the disease.

While breast cancer can be a devastating disease, it is important to remember that early detection is key. When breast cancer is found early and treated promptly, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. That’s why it’s so important to get regular breast cancer screenings.

Why is getting screened important?

Breast cancer screening tests can help find breast cancer early when it is most treatable. When breast cancer is found early, it is often smaller and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body. This means that treatment is often more effective and less invasive.

Who should get screened?

The ACS recommends that all women at average risk of breast cancer begin getting annual mammograms at age 40. Women at higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, may need to start screening earlier.

How often should I get screened?

The ACS recommends that most women get a mammogram every year. However, some women may need to get screened more often, depending on their individual risk factors.

If I find a lump in my breast, what should I do?

If you find a lump in your breast, it is important to see a doctor right away. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but it is important to have them checked out by a doctor to be sure.

How can I support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

There are many ways to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Here are a few ideas:

  • Get screened for breast cancer.
  • Talk to your friends and family about the importance of getting screened.
  • Donate to a breast cancer charity.
  • Volunteer your time to help people affected by breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but it is one that is often treatable when found early. That’s why it’s so important to get regular breast cancer screenings. If you are 40 or older, talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer and whether you should start getting screened.

COVIDtests.gov website relaunched — free COVID-19 tests available starting Sept. 25

by
Sample of a COVID-19 test

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), announced on Friday an investment of $600 million across 12 domestic COVID-19 test manufacturers and the reopening of COVIDTests.gov to deliver COVID-19 tests for free to households across the country.

Beginning September 25, every household can again place an order to receive four more free COVID-19 rapid tests delivered directly to their home.

[maxbutton id=”2″ url=”https://www.covid.gov/tests” text=”visit COVIDtests.gov” ]

 

In addition to the federal government inviting U.S. households to order four free COVID-19 tests, there are numerous other options to get tested for free, such as free community-based testing sites, including pharmacies, across the country. ASPR is also distributing free at-home tests to schools, nursing homes, community health centers, rural health clinics, food banks, and other community locations to ensure communities have widespread access to tests. To learn more, people are encouraged to contact a HRSA health center, Test to Treat site, or ICATT location near them to learn how to access low- or no cost COVID-19 tests provided by the federal government.

Before you throw out ‘expired’ tests: Check to see if your COVID-19 tests’ expiration dates have been extended.

[maxbutton id=”18″ url=”https://uncashd.org/covid-19/” text=”COVID-19 Resources” ]

 

Updated fee schedule — effective October 1, 2023

by

Print or Download Fee Schedule

 

FEE SCHEDULE (EFFECTIVE 10/1/23) 

 SITE TESTING 

SEPTIC SYSTEM: 

Site Investigation per lot * 

$150.00 

Groundwater monitoring per lot / per visit 

$50.00 

Site investigation-B100a-deck, pool, addition etc. 

$100.00 

Additional testing per lot 

$100.00 

Perc testing fill for a system 

$50.00 

Water Treatment Wastewater System 

$100.00 

* includes new construction, repair, subdivisions 

 PERMITS 

SEPTIC: 

Septic Permit – residential * 

$150.00 

Septic Permit – commercial * 

$200.00 

Septic Permit renewal 

$75.00 

Septic Permit transfer – new installer 

$75.00 

* includes new construction and repairs (tank only, sewer line, d-box, etc) 

 PERMITS / REGISTRATIONS 

FOOD SERVICE (including retail):* 

*Restaurant food service licensing fees for new establishments are prorated on a quarterly scale 

Class 1 

$150.00 

Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$50.00 

Class 2 

$250.00 

Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$80.00 

Class 3 

$350.00 

Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$125.00 

FOOD SERVICE (including retail):* 

*Restaurant food service licensing fees for new establishments are prorated on a quarterly scale 

Class 4 

$400.00 

Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$150.00 

Seasonal Food Service – 6 months or less 

½ of class fee 

Food Service reinspection (per inspection) 

$75.00 

Temporary Events – (non-profit w/ 501c3) 

1 day (Exempt from CFPM certificate) 

$25.00 

2+ days (Exempt from CFPM certificate) 

$50.00 

Temporary Events – (for profit) 

1 day (CFPM Certificate) 

$75.00 

2+ days (CFPM Certificate) 

$150.00 

Temporary Events – Application submitted less than 14 days and greater than 5 business days in advance of the event 

Double fee 

Temporary Events – Application submitted within 5 business days of the event 

No permits will be issued 

Farmers Markets – (All Vendors) 

See temporary event schedule 

 

SALON: 

Salon License 

$150.00 

Salon Re-inspection Fee per reinspection 

$75.00 

Salon Late fee for renewal paid after June 30th 

$75.00 

 

REGISTRATIONS / INSPECTIONS: 

Day Care inspection 

$100.00 

Group Home inspection 

$100.00 

Public pool – registration & inspection 

$150.00 

Public Pool – reinspection 

$75.00 

Campgrounds – registration & inspection 

$150.00 

Tattoo Parlors – registration 

$75.00 

DEEP System Inspection 

$100.00 

 

PLAN REVIEW 

SUBDIVISION / SITE PLAN PER LOT: 

per lot w/1 revision – includes lot with existing house 

$150.00 

Additional revisions per revision per lot 

$75.00 

Water Treatment Wastewater System 

$75.00 

 

SEPTIC SYSTEM: 

Engineered residential plan review per system w/1 revision 

$150.00 

Additional revisions per system 

$75.00 

Engineered commercial plan review per system w/1 revision includes multi-family buildings 

$250.00 

Additional revisions per revision per systems 

$125.00 

B100a residential plan review for a deck, addition, pool, etc. 

$75.00 

B100a commercial plan review for a deck, addition, pool, etc. 

$200.00 

Septic System reinspection fee 

$100.00 

CT DPH exception review 

$100.00 

 

WELL: 

Well only plan review 

$50.00 

 

FOOD SERVICE: 

Restaurant Plan Review 

Class 1 

Class 2 & 3 

Class 4 

$100.00 

$200.00 

$300.00 

 

SALON: 

Salon plan review 

$200.00 

 

MISCELLANEOUS 

ServSafe Class and Book 

$175.00 

ServSafe re-test fee 

$75.00 

Returned check fee 

$25.00 

Copies 

8 ½ x 11 or 11 x 14 

Plan 

0.50/page 

2.00/page 

Asthma attacks are common in early fall — how to reduce your risk

by
girl using her inhaler

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. This can make breathing difficult and trigger wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma attacks can be mild or severe, and they can even be life-threatening.

Why Are Asthma Attacks Common in Early Fall?

There are a few reasons why asthma attacks are common in early fall, especially for children:

  • Allergens: Early fall is a peak season for many allergens, including ragweed pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. These allergens can trigger asthma symptoms in people who are allergic to them.
  • Respiratory infections: Children are more likely to get respiratory infections, such as the common cold and the flu, in the fall. These infections can also trigger asthma symptoms.
  • Weather changes: The weather in the fall can be unpredictable, with rapid changes in temperature and humidity. These changes can also trigger asthma symptoms.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Having an Asthma Attack in the Peak Season

There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of having an asthma attack in the peak season:

  • Take your asthma medication as prescribed by your doctor. This includes both controller medications, which help to prevent asthma attacks, and quick-relief medications, which are used to treat asthma attacks.
  • Avoid your asthma triggers. If you know what triggers your asthma symptoms, try to avoid them as much as possible.
  • Get a flu shot every year. The flu can trigger asthma attacks, so it’s important to get a flu shot every year.
  • Monitor your asthma symptoms closely. If you notice any changes in your asthma symptoms, such as more frequent wheezing or coughing, talk to your doctor right away.

Additional Tips for Children

If your child has asthma, there are a few additional things you can do to help them reduce their risk of having an asthma attack in the peak season:

  • Make sure your child is taking their asthma medication as prescribed by their doctor. It’s important to talk to your child about their asthma and why it’s important to take their medication.
  • Help your child avoid their asthma triggers. This may mean helping them to check the pollen count before going outside or helping them to clean their room regularly.
  • Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently. This can help to reduce the spread of germs that can trigger asthma attacks.
  • Talk to your child’s school about their asthma. Make sure that the school staff knows about your child’s asthma and what to do if they have an asthma attack.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of having an asthma attack in the peak season.

[maxbutton id=”2″ url=”https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/resource-library” text=”Asthma Resource Library” ]

Check your mental health at Fresh Check Day — Sept. 27 at Three Rivers Community College

by
teens having fun

On Wednesday, September 27, members of the Uncas Health District team will be heading to CT State Community College Three Rivers (formerly Three Rivers Community College) for Fresh Check Day — an uplifting mental health promotion and suicide prevention event for colleges that includes interactive expo booths, peer-to-peer messaging, support of multiple campus departments and groups, free food, entertainment, and exciting prizes and giveaways.

Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health and helps to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus, in the community, and nationally.

Goals of Fresh Check Day

  • Increase awareness of mental health resources available to students
  • Reduce stigma and misconceptions around mental health and suicide that often deter individuals from seeking help
  • Empower peers to be gatekeepers by understanding warning signs and knowing what to do if a friend is exhibiting signs of suicide or mental health breakdown
  • Increase willingness to ask for help if experiencing emotional distress

[maxbutton id=”3″ url=”https://freshcheckday.com/” text=”More About Fresh Check Day” ]

September is Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24.

Help is available 24/7:

[maxbutton id=”19″ url=”https://uncashd.org/suicide-prevention/” text=”Suicide Prevention Resources” ]

 

 

 

Suicide Prevention Month: creating hope through action

by
Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the second leading cause of death among young people ages 10-24.

There are many warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide.

These signs can include:

  • Talking about wanting to die or feeling like a burden
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Changes in mood, such as becoming withdrawn or angry
  • Giving away belongings
  • Making a plan for suicide

If you or someone you know is exhibiting any of these warning signs, it is important to take action. Do not hesitate to reach out for help.

Here are some things you can do:

  • Talk to the person about how they are feeling. Let them know that you care and that you are there for them.
  • Encourage the person to seek professional help. Many resources are available, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups.
  • Remove any access to weapons or other means of suicide.
  • Stay calm and supportive. It is important to be patient and understanding.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

There is hope for people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. With the right help, they can get better and live full and happy lives.

To learn more about suicide prevention, visit the following websites:

Call to action:

  • Talk to your friends, family, and coworkers about suicide prevention.
  • Share resources on suicide prevention on social media.
  • Get involved in a suicide prevention organization in your community.

Press Release: state officials report positive mosquitoes for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Voluntown

by
Pachaug State Forest in Connecticut

Voluntown, Conn. — The Uncas Health District is advising residents in southeastern Connecticut to protect themselves and their children from mosquitoes to reduce the chance of contracting eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.

Mosquitoes trapped in the Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown on September 5, 2023 have tested positive for EEE. Voluntown is one of six towns with EEE infected mosquitoes identified in the state by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station this year. The mosquitoes were Culiseta melanura (2) and Psorophora ferox (1). Connecticut residents are reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.

“We encourage residents of southeastern Connecticut to take simple measures such as wearing mosquito repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” said Patrick McCormack, MPH, Director of Health.

EEE is a serious but rare illness caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can only acquire the virus by feeding on infected wild birds. In most years, the virus is found only in species of mosquitoes which feed on birds, but occasionally the virus can be passed on to other mosquito species known to bite people and horses. The virus cannot be passed from person to person or from horses to humans. The risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as EEE virus usually increases through the late summer and early fall. Mosquitoes are active until the first heavy frost.

Infection with EEE virus can cause serious illness affecting the brain. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and decreased consciousness. The disease is fatal in 25-50 percent of cases and many of those who recover experience lasting health problems. Individuals with symptoms suggestive of EEE infection should contact their physician immediately. No human vaccine against EEE virus infection or specific antiviral treatment for clinical EEE virus infections is available.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes residents should:

  • Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect babies when outdoors.
  • Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.

Connecticut Mosquito Management Program

The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, and the University of Connecticut Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. These agencies are responsible for monitoring the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 89 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday nights at each site every 10 days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

For information on EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases, what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, the latest mosquito test results and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program web site at https://portal.ct.gov/mosquito.

FDA approves new COVID-19 vaccines that target circulating variants

by
Covid-19 vaccine and syringe

On September 11, 2023,  the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took action approving and authorizing for emergency use updated COVID-19 vaccines formulated to more closely target currently circulating variants and to provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. Today’s actions relate to updated mRNA vaccines for 2023-2024 manufactured by ModernaTX Inc. and Pfizer Inc. Consistent with the totality of the evidence and input from the FDA’s expert advisors, these vaccines have been updated to include a monovalent (single) component that corresponds to the Omicron variant XBB.1.5.

What You Need to Know

  • Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
  • Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
  • The FDA is confident in the safety and effectiveness of these updated vaccines and the agency’s benefit-risk assessment demonstrates that the benefits of these vaccines for individuals 6 months of age and older outweigh their risks.
  • Individuals who receive an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may experience similar side effects as those reported by individuals who previously received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines as described in the respective prescribing information or fact sheets.
  • The updated vaccines are expected to provide good protection against COVID-19 from the currently circulating variants. Barring the emergence of a markedly more virulent variant, the FDA anticipates that the composition of COVID-19 vaccines may need to be updated annually, as is done for the seasonal influenza vaccine.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will meet tomorrow (Sept. 12), to discuss clinical recommendations on who should receive an updated vaccine, as well as further considerations for specific populations such as immunocompromised and older individuals.
  • Manufacturers have publicly announced that the updated vaccines would be ready this fall, and the FDA anticipates that the updated vaccines will be available in the near future.

FDA headquarters in Maryland

“Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “The public can be assured that these updated vaccines have met the agency’s rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. We very much encourage those who are eligible to consider getting vaccinated.”

The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for individuals 12 years of age and older and are authorized under emergency use for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age. As part of today’s actions, the bivalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States.

Data Supporting the Updated mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines (2023-2024 Formula)

The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines approved and authorized today are supported by the FDA’s evaluation of manufacturing data to support the change to the 2023-2024 formula and non-clinical immune response data on the updated formulations including the XBB.1.5 component.

  • The updated mRNA vaccines are manufactured using a similar process as previous formulations. In studies that have been recently conducted, the extent of neutralization observed by the updated vaccines against currently circulating viral variants causing COVID-19, including EG.5 and BA.2.86, appears to be of a similar magnitude to the extent of neutralization observed with prior versions of the vaccines against corresponding prior variants against which they had been developed to provide protection. This suggests that the vaccines are a good match for protecting against the currently circulating COVID-19 variants.
  • The benefit-risk profile of previously authorized and approved mRNA COVID-19 vaccines is well understood as these vaccines have been administered to hundreds of millions of people in the United States.

Based on an evaluation of the totality of the evidence, the benefit-risk profile is favorable for individuals 6 months of age and older to receive an updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Although serious outcomes from COVID-19 are less common in younger individuals, they do occur, and it has been demonstrated that recently receiving a COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of such serious outcomes.

Additional Details on Today’s Actions

Specifically, today’s actions include:

  • Approval of Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) to include the 2023-2024 formula, and a change to a single dose for individuals 12 years of age and older. Comirnaty was previously approved as a two-dose series for individuals 12 years of age and older.
  • Approval of Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) to include the 2023-2024 formula, a change to a single dose for individuals 18 years of age and older, and approval of a single dose for individuals 12 through 17 years of age. Spikevax was previously approved as a two-dose series for individuals 18 years of age and older.
  • Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for emergency use in individuals 6 months through 11 years of age to include the 2023-2024 formula and lower the age eligibility for receipt of a single dose from 6 years to 5 years of age. Additional doses are also authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 6 months through 11 years, as described in the fact sheets.
  • Authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for emergency use in individuals 6 months through 11 years of age to include the 2023-2024 formula. Additional doses are also authorized for certain immunocompromised individuals ages 6 months through 11 years, as described in the fact sheets.

The approval of Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2023-2024 Formula) was granted to BioNTech Manufacturing GmbH. The EUA amendment for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) was issued to Pfizer Inc.

The approval of Spikevax (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) (2023-2024 Formula) was granted to ModernaTX Inc. and the EUA amendment for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (2023-2024 Formula) was issued to ModernaTX Inc.

DPH announces second case of West Nile virus infection in CT this year

by
mosquito up close

Residents are advised to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that a Connecticut resident has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. This is the second human case of WNV-associated illness identified in Connecticut this season.

The patient, who is between 50–59 years of age, became ill during the third week of August with West Nile meningoencephalitis, was hospitalized, and has recovered. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to WNV. This person is a resident of Hartford County.

“The identification of a Connecticut resident with West Nile virus associated illness requiring hospitalization emphasizes the potential seriousness of this infection,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “As we approach the cooler weather, it is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Using insect repellent, covering bare skin, and avoiding being outdoors during the hours of dusk and dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes.”

“We continue to have weather conditions that are favorable for the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus,” added Philip Armstrong, ScD, medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “These mosquitoes are most abundant in urban and suburban areas with dense human populations.  We anticipate continued risk for human infection until mosquito activity subsides in October.”

West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since1999 and is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. Last year. Most people (eight out of 10) infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop West Nile fever, an illness which includes fever and other symptoms, such as body aches, joint pain, headache, or a rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal. People over the age of 60 are at highest risk of serious illness.

Tips for reducing mosquitoes around homes

Mosquitoes require water for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce mosquitoes:

  • Eliminate standing water suitable for mosquitoes. Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters.
  • Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
  • Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.

Tips for avoiding mosquito bites when outdoors

Mosquitoes require a blood meal for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce bites from mosquitoes that feed on people:

  • Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven and loose fitting.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
  • Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone, and apply according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
  • When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20 percent for four hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than two months old.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.

The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, and the University of Connecticut Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. These agencies are responsible for monitoring the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday nights at each site every ten days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

For information on West Nile virus and how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.

Hurricane season: What to do if a major storm impacts Southeastern CT

by
satellite image of a hurricane

Hurricane season is upon us, and while Connecticut is not as frequently affected by hurricanes as some southern coastal areas, it is not immune to the potential impacts of these powerful storms. To ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones during hurricane season, it’s crucial to be prepared. Here are some essential tips for Connecticut residents to stay safe and be prepared in the event a hurricane impacts Southeastern Connecticut.

Stay Informed

The first step in hurricane preparedness is staying informed. Keep a close watch on weather forecasts and pay attention to any hurricane watches or warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Sign up for emergency alerts and notifications through platforms like FEMA’s Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to receive timely updates.

Create a Hurricane Emergency Kit

A well-prepared emergency kit is essential for any disaster situation. Assemble your kit well in advance of hurricane season and include items like:

  • Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
  • Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day)
  • First-aid supplies and prescription medications
  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • A battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Personal hygiene items and sanitation supplies
  • Important documents (passport, insurance papers, identification)
  • Cash in small denominations
  • Pet supplies if you have pets

Develop an Evacuation Plan

In the event of a hurricane, you may need to evacuate your home. Plan your evacuation route in advance and communicate it with your family members. Identify local shelters or hotels that accept pets if you have them. Consider the needs of elderly family members or individuals with disabilities when planning your evacuation.

Water coming over road during hurricane

Secure Your Home

Prepare your home for a hurricane by taking the following steps:

  • Reinforce windows with hurricane shutters or plywood.
  • Trim trees and bushes to reduce the risk of debris during high winds.
  • Ensure your roof is in good condition and make any necessary repairs.
  • Elevate valuable items and electronics in your home to protect them from flooding.
  • Secure outdoor furniture and loose objects that could become projectiles in high winds.

Stock Up on Supplies

Stock up on essential supplies well in advance of a hurricane. Grocery stores and gas stations may run out of supplies in the days leading up to a storm. Ensure you have enough food, water, and other necessities to last at least three days.

Health Considerations

Hurricanes can have a significant impact on your health. Here are some health-related tips:

  • Keep a supply of necessary medications on hand.
  • Stay hydrated to prevent heat-related illnesses during power outages.
  • Avoid floodwaters, as they may be contaminated and pose health risks.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases by using repellent and wearing long-sleeved clothing.

Stay Connected

Maintain communication with friends and family during a hurricane. Share your whereabouts and safety status regularly. Consider investing in a backup power source for your phone, such as a portable charger or a car charger, as power outages can disrupt communication.

Skip to content