Month: August 2025

Hurricane Season: What to Do if a Major Storm Impacts Southeastern CT

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satellite image of a hurricane

Hurricane season is here, and while Connecticut is not as frequently affected by hurricanes as many 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 important to be prepared. Here are some valuable 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.

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Your Ultimate 2025-26 Connecticut Back-to-School Health & Safety Guide

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mom sending young child off to school

As August winds down and the new school year is just around the corner, now is the perfect time for families to take steps to make sure every student starts the year safe, happy, and healthy. This updated guide covers everything you need — from required vaccines to mental wellness and bus safety — to set your child up for success.

Get Caught Up on Required Immunizations

Connecticut state law requires students to have up-to-date vaccinations before entering school. These vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your child and the entire school community from serious, preventable diseases. Even if your child seems healthy, missing shots can mean missing school.

Vaccine Grade(s) Required Why It's Important
DTaP/DTP/DT Pre-K (4 doses), K-6 (≥4 doses) Protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus (lockjaw), and Pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening.
Tdap (Adolescent booster) Grade 7–12 (1 dose) A crucial booster to maintain protection as childhood immunity wanes.
MMR Pre-K (1 dose), K-12 (2 doses) Prevents highly contagious Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, which can have serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
Varicella (Chickenpox) Pre-K (1 dose), K-12 (2 doses) Protects against the itchy and sometimes severe chickenpox virus, which can cause skin infections and pneumonia.
Hepatitis B Pre-K through Grade 12 (3 doses) Prevents a serious liver infection that can become chronic and lead to liver cancer.
Hepatitis A Pre-K through Grade 12 (2 doses) Prevents a contagious liver infection that spreads easily in schools, especially since young children may not show symptoms.
Polio Pre-K through Grade 12 (≥3 doses) Protects against a crippling and potentially fatal disease that has been eliminated in the U.S. thanks to vaccination.
MenACWY (Meningococcal) Grade 7–12 (1 dose) Protects against a leading cause of bacterial meningitis, a serious infection of the brain and spinal cord lining.
HPV Grades 7–12 (Strongly Recommended) A cancer-prevention vaccine that helps prevent several types of cancer later in life.

Annual Check-Ups & Mandated Screenings

Beyond vaccines, routine well-child visits are essential for a healthy school year.

  • Vision & Hearing Screening: State law mandates these screenings for students in kindergarten, first, third, fourth, and fifth grades to detect issues that can impact learning.
  • Dental Check-Up: Good oral health is linked to overall well-being. Schedule a cleaning and exam before school starts.
  • Asthma & Allergy Action Plans: If your child has asthma or severe allergies, update their inhalers, EpiPens, and emergency plans with the school nurse. Share any food allergy information with teachers and cafeteria staff.

Build Healthy Routines from Day One

A strong routine and self-care go a long way in keeping kids physically and emotionally ready to learn.

  • Sleep Schedule: To support learning and emotional regulation, aim for 9–11 hours per night for elementary students and 8–10 hours for teens.
  • Balanced Breakfast: Fuel up with protein and fiber to boost focus and energy.
  • Hydration: Staying hydrated improves brain function. Pack a reusable water bottle every day!
  • Hand-Washing: Proper hand-washing (20 seconds with soap and water!) is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.

Prioritize Mental & Emotional Wellness

A happy school year is more than academics — it’s about feeling supported and connected.

  • Open Conversations: Create a safe space for your child to talk about their feelings. The Jed Foundation offers great conversation starters for parents of teens.
  • Bullying Prevention: Talk to your children about bullying and what to do if they see or experience it. For resources and information on Connecticut's anti-bullying laws, visit StopBullying.gov.
  • Know the Resources: Your school counselor and the Uncas Health District are valuable resources if you have concerns about your child's mental health.

Safety on the Way to School

  • Backpack Safety: An overly heavy or improperly worn backpack can cause pain and posture problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a backpack weigh no more than 10-20% of a child's body weight and that both shoulder straps are always used.
  • Bus Safety: Review getting on/off procedures and staying seated until the bus stops fully.
  • Walk & Bike Routes: Practice the route to school and always wear a properly fitted helmet when biking.
  • Car Seat & Booster Seat Safety: Ensure your child's car seat meets current Connecticut standards. For detailed information and to find a local car seat clinic, visit Safe Kids Connecticut.
  • Teen Driving: Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens. Remind new drivers about the risks of distracted and impaired driving.
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CT Leads Nation in MMR Vaccination Rates

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child receiving MMR vaccine

As families across Connecticut prepare for the new school year, our state can take pride in another public health achievement: Connecticut has the highest two-dose measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination rate in the nation, with 98.3% of kindergarteners up to date in the 2024–2025 school year. This not only reflects the dedication of parents and healthcare providers but underscores the critical role vaccinations play in safeguarding individuals and entire communities from highly contagious diseases like measles.

Why Vaccination Matters

Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known, capable of spreading through tiny respiratory droplets that linger in the air and on surfaces. High vaccination coverage interrupts transmission chains, creating “herd immunity”—a community-level defense that protects those who cannot be vaccinated, including infants, people undergoing chemotherapy, and individuals with certain immune disorders. Public health experts agree that achieving at least 95% MMR coverage is essential to prevent outbreaks; Connecticut stands among only ten states to surpass this threshold this year.

Beyond preventing measles-specific outbreaks, routine immunizations reduce absenteeism, keep schools open, and avoid the personal and societal costs of preventable illness. According to DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, “Staying up to date on routine vaccines, particularly as we head into back-to-school season, is crucial for protecting children from preventable diseases and maintaining community-level immunity."

Staying Vigilant: Keeping Immunizations Current

Even with Connecticut’s success, vaccination rates can fluctuate. Nationally, coverage among kindergartners for vaccines like DTaP and MMR dipped in the past year, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance. To ensure every child has the protection they need:

  • Check your child’s vaccine record: Parents can securely access school immunization data through the CT WiZ Public Portal at ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord.

  • Consult your healthcare provider: Schedule any overdue vaccinations before school begins.

  • Stay informed: Review the latest CDC recommendations at cdc.gov/vaccines to understand catch-up schedules and booster requirements.

Governor Ned Lamont reminds us that “these vaccinations have been proven to be safe for many decades and are responsible for preventing the spread of life-threatening illnesses. Let’s keep Connecticut healthy by getting vaccinated and stopping the spread of these diseases."

Beyond Vaccines: Other Critical Precautions

While immunization is our strongest defense, combining vaccines with everyday health practices creates a layered approach to disease prevention:

  1. Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially before meals and after restroom use.

  2. Respiratory Etiquette: To limit droplet spread, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow—not hands.

  3. Stay Home When Sick: Promptly isolate anyone displaying fever, rash, or respiratory symptoms to avoid exposing others.

  4. Clean Frequently Touched Surfaces: To reduce germ transmission in classrooms and homes, disinfect doorknobs, desks, and shared devices.

Together, these measures help contain outbreaks of various infections— from measles to seasonal flu—and reinforce the protective power of vaccines.

For questions about the Connecticut Vaccine Program, call 860-509-7929 or email [email protected]. Learn more about vaccines and download your immunization records today at ct.gov/getmyvaccinerecord.

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