Latest UNCASHD News

Breast Cancer Screening Saves Lives

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Doctor reviews mammogram scan

Breast Cancer touches nearly every family in some way, which makes Breast Cancer Awareness Month a good moment for our community to check in on their own health and look out for the people around them.

The message of the month is hopeful. Screening catches cancer earlier, treatment keeps getting better, and every conversation you start can nudge someone toward a lifesaving appointment.

Why Screening Is Your Best Protection

Finding breast cancer early gives people the most options and the best chance of a full recovery. A mammogram can detect changes in the breast years before a lump can be felt, and cancers caught at an early stage often need less aggressive treatment.

The guidance on when to start has shifted in recent years. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now recommends mammograms every other year for women ages 40 to 74. The American Cancer Society says women ages 40 to 44 have the option to begin yearly screening, women ages 45 to 54 should screen every year, and women ages 55 and older can switch to every other year or continue annually as long as they are in good health.

Some people need to start sooner. Those with a strong family history, a known BRCA gene mutation, or a history of chest radiation at a young age should talk with their provider about adding an MRI and beginning around age 30. Women with dense breast tissue should also ask whether additional imaging makes sense for them, since dense tissue can make mammograms harder to read.

Screening works best alongside everyday awareness. Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, and report any change to a health care provider right away, such as a new lump, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or unexplained swelling or pain. Don't wait for your next scheduled mammogram.

Men can develop breast cancer too, though it is far less common. Anyone who notices a lump or other change should be seen.

Treatment Is Getting Better and More Gentle

Breast cancer death rates have fallen steadily since 1989, an overall decline of 44% through 2023, according to the American Cancer Society. Earlier detection and better treatment share the credit.

Treatment is also becoming more personal. Doctors now match therapy to the specific features of each tumor, which means many patients receive more effective care with fewer side effects. Several advances highlighted at this year's American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting, reported by OncoDaily, show where things are heading:

  • Targeted drugs that deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells. Known as antibody-drug conjugates, they have shown strong results in both triple-negative and HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. In one study of HER2-positive disease, patients on trastuzumab deruxtecan went a median of 40.7 months without their cancer progressing, compared with 26.9 months on standard chemotherapy.
  • Immunotherapy for specific subtypes. Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy continued to show lasting benefit in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer.
  • Doing less when less is enough. In the OPTIMA trial, genomic testing allowed 68% of patients with early hormone-receptor-positive disease to safely skip chemotherapy, with a five-year invasive-cancer-free rate of 90.4%.

These results come from clinical research and apply to particular types and stages of breast cancer. Anyone facing a diagnosis should talk with their care team about which options fit their situation.

Spreading Breast Cancer Awareness

You don't need a big platform to make a difference. Small, personal actions often work best because people listen to those they trust.

  • Start the conversation. Remind a mother, sister, friend, or coworker to schedule her mammogram. Offer to go along or to drive.
  • Make your own appointment. If you're due, book it this week and tell someone you did.
  • Share reliable information. Pass along this post and screening guidance from your health care provider or the American Cancer Society, and check a source before you share anything else.
  • Know your family history. Ask relatives about cancer in your family and share what you learn with your doctor.
  • Support local efforts. Take part in a community walk, fundraiser, or awareness event, or wear pink at work or school this month to start a conversation.
  • Reach people who are often missed. Help neighbors who may face cost, language, transportation, or scheduling barriers find a screening option close to home.
  • Check in on those in treatment. A meal, a ride, or a kind message means a great deal to someone going through it.

Take the Next Step

If you are 40 or older, or have risk factors that put you in a higher-risk group, call your primary care provider this week to ask whether it's time for a mammogram. If you don't have a provider or are concerned about cost, contact the Uncas Health District to be connected with screening programs and low-cost options in your area.

Breast cancer is serious, but fewer people are dying from it than ever, and much of that progress began with someone choosing to get checked. This October, be that person for yourself or someone you love.

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Fire Prevention Week: Keeping Our Homes and Communities Safe

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Fire Prevention Week runs October 4 through 10 this year, and it is a good moment to ask a simple question: if a fire started in your home tonight, would everyone know what to do?

Fire Prevention is Serious Business

A home fire can grow from a spark to a life-threatening emergency in just a few minutes. That is why the best protection is the kind you put in place long before anything goes wrong: working smoke alarms, a practiced escape plan, and a few everyday habits that keep common hazards in check.

Fire Prevention Week is the longest-running public health observance in the United States, led each year by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and held during the week that marks the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This year's theme is "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower." It builds on last year's focus on lithium-ion batteries, the rechargeable batteries found in phones, laptops, tablets, e-bikes, scooters, and many other devices we rely on every day.

The everyday causes are familiar ones. The NFPA reports that cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and that unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires. The U.S. Fire Administration also points out that batteries of all types can present fire dangers when they are not used, stored, or disposed of according to the manufacturer's instructions.

The encouraging news is that most home fires can be prevented, and the steps that make the biggest difference are simple. The sections below walk through what to do now to lower your risk, and what to do if the worst happens.

Preventing Fires in Your Home

Most of these habits take only a few minutes, and many cost nothing.

Install and maintain smoke alarms. The American Red Cross advises placing a smoke alarm outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home. Test them monthly, replace batteries at least once a year, and replace the alarms themselves about every 10 years, since their sensitivity fades over time. A good reminder: check them when you change your clocks.

Stay with your cooking. Because unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires, never walk away from a stove or oven while it is on. If you have to leave the kitchen, even briefly, turn off the burner. Keep towels, paper, and pot holders away from the stovetop, and keep a lid nearby to smother a small pan fire.

Give heaters room. Keep space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves at least three feet from anything that can burn, such as curtains, bedding, and furniture. Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet rather than an extension cord, and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed. Have your chimney and heating system inspected before the cold season is fully underway.

Charge devices safely. This year's Fire Prevention Week theme is a reminder that lithium-ion batteries deserve respect. The U.S. Fire Administration's battery fire safety guidance suggests the following:

  • Buy certified products and use the charger that came with the device.
  • Store spare batteries away from anything flammable, and out of direct sunlight or a hot vehicle.
  • Avoid charging at temperatures below 32°F or above 105°F.
  • Stop using a battery right away if you notice an odd smell, a change in color, too much heat, a change in shape, leaking, or strange noises.
  • Recycle old batteries at a proper collection site instead of throwing them in the trash.

Be careful with candles and smoking materials. Burn candles in a sturdy holder on a stable surface, keep them away from anything flammable, and blow them out before leaving the room or going to sleep. Consider flameless LED candles as a safer alternative. If anyone in your home smokes, do it outside and use a deep, sturdy ashtray.

Keep electrical systems in good shape. Replace frayed or damaged cords, avoid overloading outlets and power strips, and have an electrician look at any outlet that sparks, feels warm, or repeatedly trips a breaker.

Keep fire extinguishers on hand. A small extinguisher in the kitchen and one on each level of the home can stop a very small fire, provided everyone knows how to use it and no one puts themselves at risk to do so.

Make a plan, and practice it. Fire prevention and fire escape go hand in hand. The Red Cross recommends that every household identify at least two ways out of every room, choose a meeting place outside, and practice the plan at least twice a year.

What to Do if a Fire Starts

In a real fire, there is very little time to think, so the goal is for these steps to feel automatic.

  1. Get out first. Leave immediately and do not stop to gather belongings, pets, or valuables. Help others who need assistance only if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.
  2. Stay low in the smoke. If smoke fills the room, crawl low under the smoke, where the air is cleaner.
  3. Check doors before opening them. Use the back of your hand to feel a closed door. If it is warm, do not open it; use your second way out.
  4. Close doors behind you. A closed door can slow the spread of fire and smoke, giving everyone more time to escape.
  5. Meet at your outdoor meeting place. Once everyone is out, count heads, so firefighters know right away whether anyone is still inside.
  6. Call 911 from outside. Give your address and tell the dispatcher if anyone is missing. Never go back inside for any reason. Firefighters have the equipment and training to search safely.

If you are trapped, close the door between you and the fire, place a towel or clothing along the bottom to block smoke, open a window if possible, and signal for help from the window with a flashlight or bright cloth. Call 911 and tell them exactly where you are. The Red Cross offers more guidance on this situation.

If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over and over to smother the flames. Cool the burn with running water for several minutes, then seek medical care.

If a battery or device overheats, stop using it if it is safe to do so, move away, and call 911 if you see smoke, flames, or swelling. The U.S. Fire Administration's "Get out quickly" advice applies here: do not try to fight a battery fire yourself.

After the fire, wait for the fire department to say it is safe before going back inside. The American Red Cross can help families with immediate needs after a fire, such as temporary housing and food. Contact your insurance provider as soon as you are able.

Take One Step This Week

You do not need to do everything at once. This week, press the test button on every smoke alarm, walk your family through your escape plan, and check where your phones, tablets, and e-bikes are charging overnight. Each of these takes only a few minutes, and together they make your home meaningfully safer.

Your local fire department is also a valuable resource. Many departments in our communities offer home safety information, smoke alarm guidance, and community events during Fire Prevention Week, so contact them to learn what is available near you.

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Fall Allergies and Asthma: Know the Triggers and Stay Ahead of Symptoms

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A woman running in fall with asthma

Fall has arrived in southeastern Connecticut, bringing cooler mornings, changing leaves, and, for many people, a return of allergy symptoms. Ragweed pollen and mold can make this a difficult season for people with allergies or asthma. Cooler air and respiratory illnesses may add to the challenge.

A few practical steps can help you recognize your triggers and keep symptoms under control.

Know What May Be Causing Your Symptoms

Ragweed is a common fall allergy trigger. Its pollen can cause sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy eyes. Mold can also be a concern, especially around damp leaves outdoors or moisture inside the home.

For people with asthma, these triggers may bring on coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Asthma symptoms can also worsen when the air turns cold or when someone develops a respiratory infection. If you are unsure what is causing recurring symptoms, talk with a healthcare provider.

Reduce Your Exposure

You do not have to stay inside all season, but small changes can help:

  • Pay attention to pollen and air quality reports. If pollen triggers your symptoms, consider moving yardwork or other outdoor activities to a better day.
  • Keep pollen out of your living space. Close windows when pollen levels are high, and change clothes and shower after spending time outdoors.
  • Use care with fallen leaves. Damp leaf piles can contain mold. If raking or yard cleanup worsens your symptoms, ask someone else to handle it when possible.
  • Address indoor moisture. Fix leaks, dry wet areas promptly, and use ventilation or a dehumidifier where needed. The EPA explains how mold can affect allergies and asthma.

Check Your Asthma Plan Before Symptoms Show

If you have asthma, make sure you know how to follow your asthma action plan, have access to your prescribed medication, and understand when to seek help. Take medication as directed, even when you feel well. If you are coughing at night, limiting activities because of breathing symptoms, or needing your reliever medication more often, contact your healthcare provider to review your treatment plan.

Fall is also a good time to think about respiratory illness prevention. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV can trigger asthma attacks. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccinations are recommended for you, and take everyday steps to avoid getting sick.

Get urgent medical help if breathing becomes difficult or your prescribed quick-relief treatment is not helping. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing or difficulty speaking because of shortness of breath.

Fall allergies and asthma are manageable, but persistent symptoms deserve attention. Knowing your triggers, limiting exposure, and having a plan in place can help you enjoy the season more comfortably.

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World Heart Day: Everyday Steps for a Healthier Heart

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Hands in a heart shape

Heart health deserves attention long before symptoms appear. Routine checkups, regular physical activity, and healthy eating habits can help reduce the risk of heart disease and identify problems early. On September 29, World Heart Day serves as a reminder to make these preventive measures part of everyday life.

Uncas Health District encourages residents to use the occasion to review their health habits, understand their risk factors, and catch up on preventive care.

Heart Disease by the Numbers

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • About 1 in 20 adults aged 20 and older has coronary artery disease, which affects blood flow to the heart.
  • Approximately 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack each year.
  • About 1 in 5 heart attacks is silent, meaning damage occurs without the person realizing they have had a heart attack.

These numbers reinforce the importance of prevention, even when you feel well. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are major risk factors, while diabetes, physical inactivity, and excess weight can also increase risk.

Make Preventive Care a Priority

Regular medical care helps you understand your risk and address concerns before they become more serious. Start with these steps:

Know your blood pressure. High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, but it can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Have it checked regularly, and ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring at home would be helpful. The American Heart Association considers readings below 120/80 mm Hg normal. Your provider can explain your results and treatment goals. Learn more about understanding and managing blood pressure.

Ask about cholesterol and blood sugar testing. These tests help identify conditions that can affect heart health. How often you need them depends on your age, health history, and risk factors.

Discuss your family history. Tell your provider about close relatives who have had heart disease, particularly at a young age. This information can help guide your prevention plan.

Take medications as prescribed. If you take medication for blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes, keep taking it as directed. Talk with your provider or pharmacist about side effects, costs, or other concerns before stopping a medication. The CDC’s heart disease prevention guide explains how managing these conditions helps protect your heart.

Build Habits You Can Maintain

Protecting your heart does not require changing everything at once. Start with manageable goals and build on them.

  • Move more throughout the week. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, such as brisk walking. That can be divided into shorter sessions that fit your schedule.
  • Choose foods that support heart health. Eat more vegetables, fruit, whole grains, beans, nuts, and lean proteins. Try replacing a salty snack with unsalted nuts or adding beans and vegetables to a favorite meal.
  • Make sleep a priority. Most adults need seven to nine hours each night. A consistent bedtime and wake-up time can help establish a routine.
  • Work toward a healthy weight. Discuss realistic goals with your healthcare provider, focusing on sustainable habits.

These steps are part of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, a framework for improving cardiovascular health.

Avoid smoking, and get help quitting. Quitting smoking reduces your risk of heart disease. Your healthcare provider can help you find support and treatment options. Also, watch sodium intake and drink less alcohol to help prevent or lower high blood pressure. Read food labels to compare sodium levels, especially in packaged foods, soups, and sauces. Find additional guidance through the CDC.

Recognize the Warning Signs

Prevention also means knowing when to act. Heart attack symptoms can include:

  • Chest pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pain or discomfort in the arms, shoulders, back, neck, or jaw.
  • A cold sweat, lightheadedness, or faintness.
  • Nausea or unusual, unexplained fatigue.

Call 911 immediately if you suspect a heart attack, even if you are unsure. Prompt treatment can reduce damage to the heart muscle.

This World Heart Day, choose one step you can take now: schedule a checkup, have your blood pressure checked, or set aside time for a daily walk. Make that step part of a routine you can continue throughout the year.

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Flu Season Is Approaching: Why Vaccination Matters This Fall

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child with mother receiving a flu shot.

As fall brings school routines, cooler days, and more time together indoors, it is also time to prepare for flu season. Scheduling a flu vaccine now can help protect your health before illnesses begin disrupting classrooms, workplaces, and family gatherings.

Recent seasons have shown how much influenza’s impact can change from one year to the next. The CDC classified the 2023–2024 U.S. season as moderately severe, followed by a 2024–2025 season rated highly severe across all age groups—the first such season since 2017–2018. Those differences are a reminder to take prevention seriously every year. 

New England experienced that impact firsthand. Massachusetts public health researchers found that the share of outpatient visits involving flu-like illness during 2024–2025 reached its highest peak in records dating to 2001–2002. The state also reported 10 pediatric flu deaths that season; eight of those children had not received that season’s vaccine.

In Connecticut, state figures reported by CT Insider show 4,375 flu-associated hospitalizations and 217 deaths during 2024–2025, compared with 3,703 hospitalizations and 190 deaths during 2025–2026. Although the more recent totals were lower, they still represent a substantial toll on Connecticut families.

There is no reliable way to predict exactly how the coming season will unfold. Preparing before the flu spreads widely gives families an opportunity to reduce their risk.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness that often begins suddenly, with symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Not everyone develops a fever. Most people recover, but complications can include pneumonia, inflammation of the heart or brain, and sepsis, a life-threatening response to infection. Flu can also worsen existing conditions, including asthma and heart disease. Even otherwise healthy people can become seriously ill. 

Some people face a greater risk of complications, including:

  • Adults age 65 and older.
  • Children younger than 5, especially those younger than 2.
  • Pregnant people and those within two weeks after pregnancy.
  • People with chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
  • People with weakened immune systems.

For these individuals, vaccination and early attention to symptoms are especially important. 

The CDC recommends a flu vaccine every season for everyone age 6 months and older, with rare exceptions. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can help identify the appropriate vaccine for your age and health needs.

Annual vaccination matters because protection decreases over time, and circulating flu viruses change. Vaccines are reviewed and updated to address those changes. Vaccination reduces the chance of getting sick and can lessen the severity of illness if you do get the flu. 

The benefits are substantial: the CDC estimates that vaccination prevented approximately 180,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths nationwide during the severe 2024–2025 season. 

For most people, September or October is the recommended time to get vaccinated, ideally by the end of October. Some children ages 6 months through 8 years need two doses at least four weeks apart, depending on their vaccination history, so parents should check with their pediatrician early. Vaccination can still be helpful later in the season. 

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protective antibodies to develop. A flu vaccine cannot give you the flu, although temporary side effects, such as a sore arm, fatigue, or mild aches, can occur. 

Everyday precautions also help. Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, improve indoor ventilation, and stay home when sick. A well-fitting mask provides additional protection, particularly in crowded indoor spaces or around people at higher risk

If flu symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider promptly, especially if you are in a higher-risk group. Prescription antiviral medications work best when started within the first two days of symptoms, but they may still help later for people with severe illness or increased risk. 

Seek immediate medical care for warning signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, seizures, or severe dehydration. In children, additional concerns include bluish lips, difficulty waking, or no urine for eight hours. Fever or cough that improves and then returns or worsens also warrants prompt medical attention.

Make flu vaccination part of your fall plans. Contact your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or local health department to ask about appointments for yourself and your family.

 

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Safer Home Cooking: Bringing ServSafe Basics to Your Kitchen

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Couple cooking together happily

Food safety starts well before a meal reaches the table. How you handle ingredients, clean your workspace, cook food, and store leftovers all affect the risk of foodborne illness.

ServSafe®, the National Restaurant Association’s food safety training program, teaches food handlers about personal hygiene, cross-contamination, allergens, temperature control, and cleaning. Those same principles are useful at home. Uncas Health District encourages residents to put them into practice when preparing everyday meals or cooking for a crowd. Learn more about the ServSafe Food Handler program.

Start with Clean Hands and Equipment

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing food and after handling raw meat, using the bathroom, touching pets, or handling garbage.

Wash utensils, cutting boards, and countertops with hot, soapy water after each use, especially after contact with raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs. Rinse produce under running water, but do not wash raw chicken or other meat: splashing water can spread germs around the kitchen. These habits are part of FoodSafety.gov’s four steps to food safety.

Keep Raw Foods Separate

Cross-contamination happens when harmful germs move from one food or surface to another. Using a knife to cut raw chicken and then chop salad vegetables without washing it can transfer those germs to food that will not be cooked.

Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and ready-to-eat foods. Keep raw meat in sealed, leakproof containers, and always put cooked food on a clean plate. See FoodSafety.gov’s guidance on preventing cross-contamination.

Use a Thermometer to Check Doneness

Browning, clear juices, and cooking time cannot reliably confirm that food is safe. Use a food thermometer in the thickest part, avoiding bone.

For home cooking, follow these federal minimum internal temperature recommendations:

Food Safe internal temperature
Chicken, turkey, and ground poultry 165°F
Ground beef, pork, and lamb 160°F
Whole cuts of beef, pork, veal, and lamb 145°F, followed by a three-minute rest
Fish 145°F
Egg dishes 160°F
Casseroles and reheated leftovers 165°F

These are household recommendations; commercial food service training includes additional time-and-temperature requirements.

Refrigerate Promptly and Plan for Leftovers

Keep your refrigerator at 40°F or below. Refrigerate perishable food within two hours, or within one hour when temperatures exceed 90°F. Thaw food in the refrigerator, never on the counter. Read more about safe refrigeration and thawing.

Do not leave a pot of soup or a casserole on the counter until it reaches room temperature. Divide large quantities into shallow containers and refrigerate promptly to speed cooling. Label leftovers with the preparation date, use refrigerated leftovers within three to four days, or freeze them for later. Reheat to 165°F. The USDA’s leftovers guide explains safe cooling, storage, and reheating.

Take Food Allergies Seriously

Allergen cross-contact occurs when an allergen transfers to another food through shared utensils, hands, surfaces, or ingredients. Even a small amount can cause a reaction, and cooking does not remove food allergens.

Ask guests about allergies before planning a meal, check ingredient labels, and use thoroughly washed equipment and separate serving utensils. Removing an allergen from a finished dish does not make it safe. Food Allergy Research & Education offers practical guidance for preventing cross-contact.

Step Away from Food Preparation When Sick

If you have vomiting or diarrhea, do not prepare food for others. Wait at least 48 hours after symptoms stop before resuming. Hand sanitizer does not replace handwashing, particularly when preventing norovirus. Follow the CDC’s norovirus prevention guidance.

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National Preparedness Month: Be Ready for the Unexpected

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Father and son assemble the emergency evacuation bag together and put necessary items into backpacks

September is National Preparedness Month, a reminder that emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a health crisis, or an unforeseen event, being prepared can make all the difference. Do you know what kinds of hazards are common where we live, work, and travel? From hurricanes to wildfires to power outages, each region has its own risks. But whatever hazards we face, it’s important to have a safety plan in place before, during, and after any emergency.

In 2026, the National Preparedness Month Theme is “Americans Stand Ready.” Initiating a conversation today can empower you and your family to take more steps toward preparedness. By making small efforts, you can gradually strengthen your readiness at your own pace.

Choose a time when everyone is calm and at ease. It might be helpful to spread the discussions out over a set period, allowing for more thoughtful decisions and ensuring everyone feels comfortable discussing the topic. Share the steps you’ve already taken to prepare and invite others to ask questions about preparedness actions that may suit their needs.

Here are some more helpful tips for emergency preparedness:

Stay Connected: Have a Plan

When emergencies strike, staying connected with your family and getting timely information from local officials is crucial. How prepared are you to stay in touch during a crisis? There are some easy ways to ensure you and your family can communicate effectively. Visit the Ready.gov website and create a free, fillable family emergency plan. It’s a great way to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go. Share your plan with your loved ones and ask them to share theirs too!

Get Alerts: Stay Informed

Another important step is staying informed about potential threats. Downloading the free FEMA App is an excellent way to receive warnings and alerts for up to five different locations in the U.S. This app is extremely helpful for those of us who travel or have family in different regions. Additionally, check your phone to ensure it can receive Wireless Emergency Alerts and Emergency Alert System messages. This simple action can give you critical information when you need it most.

Plan for Evacuation: Know Where to Go

Do you know where you and your pets will go if you’re told to evacuate? Whether it’s a friend or relative’s house, a community shelter, or a hotel in another town, it’s important to have a plan. Visit Ready.gov’s evacuation page and learn how to prepare for a quick and safe evacuation. Take a moment to talk with your family about your evacuation plan, so everyone knows where to go and how to get there.

Build a Kit: Be Ready for Everyone in Your Family

When preparing for an emergency, it’s vital to think about the specific needs of each family member. Have you considered what supplies you may need for your kids, older adults, or family members with disabilities? Don’t forget about your pets, either! Check out Ready.gov's Build A Kit page and learn about the essential items you will need to stay safe and comfortable during and after a disaster. Remember to include things like medications, medical devices, and anything else that’s crucial for your family’s well-being.

Medical Needs: Plan for Power and Temperature

If anyone in your family relies on medical devices or medications that need to be kept at a certain temperature, it’s important to have a plan in place. Do you have backup power supplies, or know of places where you can safely store medicine? Ready.gov provides guidance on how to prepare before something happens. Taking the time to plan now can prevent a lot of stress later.

Protect Important Items: Keep Your Valuables Safe

Finally, consider how you’ll protect important documents, family mementos, and treasured possessions. Do you have water-resistant plastic bags or containers to keep them safe? Make digital copies of my documents and photos and store them in a password-protected online account. Ready.gov’s Make a Plan page offers more tips for safeguarding these items.

National Preparedness Month is the perfect time to start or update your emergency plans. Visit Ready.gov today to ensure you and your family are prepared for whatever may come your way. Stay safe, stay informed, and be ready!

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Safe Medication Storage and Disposal: Simple Steps to Protect Your Home

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Man hold medication bottle reading instruction or prescription on packaging

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can help people manage health conditions, relieve symptoms, and recover from illness. However, medications that are stored improperly or kept after they are no longer needed can create serious risks—including accidental poisoning, medication errors, misuse, and overdose.

Regularly reviewing your medications, securing those you still need, and safely disposing of those you no longer need can help protect children, teens, older adults, visitors, and pets.

Keep Medications Secure

All medications should be stored out of sight and reach of children. Whenever possible, keep prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements in a locked cabinet, box, or drawer. This is particularly important for opioids, sedatives, sleep medications, and other drugs that can cause severe harm when taken by someone for whom they were not prescribed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(opens in new tab) recommends putting medications away after every use—even when another dose will be needed later. Avoid leaving medicine on counters, nightstands, or tables, and remember that medications may also be found in purses, backpacks, coat pockets, and luggage.

Child-resistant packaging provides an added layer of protection, but it is not childproof. Close each container securely after use and store it in a location children cannot see or reach.

Always Use the Original, Labeled Container

Never store medications in unlabeled bottles, plastic bags, cups, or food containers. Without the original label, it can be difficult to identify the drug, dosage, expiration date, or person for whom it was prescribed. This increases the risk of taking the wrong medication or receiving an incorrect dose.

Keep medications in their original, child-resistant containers whenever possible. If you use a pill organizer, fill it carefully and keep both the organizer and the original prescription bottles in a secure location. Many pill organizers are not child-resistant and can be opened easily.

Never combine different medications in one prescription bottle, and do not share prescription drugs with another person—even if that person has similar symptoms.

Safely Dispose of Unused or Expired Medications

Do not keep medications that are expired, no longer needed, or no longer prescribed. Removing them from the home reduces the chance of accidental ingestion, medication errors, and misuse.

The safest option for most medications is an authorized drug take-back location. Connecticut residents can use the state’s local drug collection box directory(opens in new tab) or the DEA’s year-round drug disposal locator(opens in new tab) to find a participating police department, pharmacy, or other authorized collection site.

Before using a collection box, check its rules. Many locations accept prescription and over-the-counter pills, capsules, and patches, but may not accept needles, inhalers, thermometers, or certain liquids.

Consider a Medication Disposal Pouch

Medication disposal pouches offer another option when a take-back location is not readily available. These pouches generally contain materials that deactivate medications when water is added. Once used according to the manufacturer’s directions, the sealed pouch can typically be placed in household trash.

Follow all instructions printed on the pouch, including limits on the types and quantities of medications it can hold. Do not use a disposal pouch for needles, syringes, inhalers, or other products unless the manufacturer specifically states that they are accepted.

When Other Disposal Options Are Unavailable

If you cannot reach a take-back location or use a disposal pouch, follow the FDA’s instructions for disposing of medicine in household trash(opens in new tab):

  1. Remove the medication from its original container.
  2. Mix it with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt, or cat litter. Do not crush tablets or capsules.
  3. Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container.
  4. Put the sealed container in your household trash.
  5. Remove or scratch out personal information from the empty medication packaging before discarding it.

Do not flush medications down a toilet or sink unless the label specifically directs you to do so or the medication appears on the FDA flush list(opens in new tab). The flush list applies to a limited number of especially dangerous medications when a take-back option is not readily available.

What to Do After an Accidental Ingestion

If you believe a child or adult may have taken the wrong medication—or too much medication—do not wait for symptoms to appear. Immediately call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use this online tool(opens in new tab). Help is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.

Do not induce vomiting or give the person food, milk, water, or another substance unless a poison specialist or healthcare professional tells you to do so. Keep the medication container nearby so you can provide the drug name, strength, and other label information.

Call 911 immediately if the person:

  • Collapses or cannot be awakened
  • Has trouble breathing
  • Experiences a seizure
  • Shows signs of a suspected opioid overdose

If opioid exposure is suspected and naloxone is available, administer it according to its instructions and call 911. Stay with the person until emergency assistance arrives.

Make Medication Safety Part of Your Routine

Set aside time several times each year to review household medications. Check expiration dates, remove drugs that are no longer needed, and confirm that everything is properly labeled and securely stored.

A few simple habits — locking medications away, keeping them in their original containers, and disposing of unused drugs promptly—can prevent medication errors, accidental poisoning, and misuse.

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End-of-Summer Health & Safety Checklist for Families

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Students boarding school bus

Summer may be winding down, but the transition into a new school year brings its own set of health and safety considerations. A little preparation now can help families start the fall with fewer last-minute surprises — and keep healthy summer habits going even after the backpacks come out.

Before the season officially changes, work through this end-of-summer checklist.

[  ] 1. Check Vaccinations and School Health Records

Back-to-school season is a good time to ensure children are up to date on required vaccinations, annual physicals, and any health documentation their school requires.

Connecticut has specific immunization requirements for students entering and attending school. Parents and guardians can review the current Connecticut school immunization requirements and access vaccination records through CT WiZ.

If your child is due for a routine checkup, needs a sports physical, or has medical forms that require a healthcare provider's signature, don't wait until the first week of school to make the appointment.

[  ] 2. Update Medications and School Health Plans

If your child has asthma, allergies, diabetes, or another condition that may require medication or assistance during the school day, review their plan before classes begin.

Check expiration dates on medications and rescue inhalers, make sure prescriptions are current, and confirm what paperwork the school nurse needs. Children with asthma, for example, should have an updated asthma action plan available to school staff.

This is also a good time to ensure the school has up-to-date emergency contacts and that teachers, coaches, and other appropriate staff are aware of any important health needs.

[  ] 3. Practice the Trip to School

Whether children take the bus, walk, bike, or ride with a parent, review the route and the rules before the first busy morning.

For bus riders, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends arriving at the stop at least five minutes early and waiting at least 10 feet from the curb — about five giant steps. Children should wait for the bus to stop completely and for the driver to signal before approaching. They should never walk behind a school bus.

For children who walk or bike, practice the route together. Identify safe crossings, remind them to put phones away around traffic, and make sure bike helmets still fit properly after a summer growth spurt.

Drivers need a refresher, too: slow down around schools and bus stops, and never pass a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.

[  ] 4. Ease Back Into a School Sleep Schedule

Late nights are part of summer for many families, but abruptly switching back to early school mornings can make the first week harder than it needs to be.

Begin moving bedtime and wake-up time earlier before school starts, and aim for a consistent schedule. According to the CDC, children ages 6–12 generally need 9–12 hours of sleep each day, while teens ages 13–17 need 8–10 hours. Adequate sleep supports concentration, behavior, physical health, and overall well-being.

Reducing screens before bedtime and establishing a predictable evening routine can also make the transition easier.

[  ] 5. Don't Put Away the Sunscreen or Water Bottles Yet

The calendar may be moving toward fall, but late August and September can still bring high temperatures and strong UV exposure — especially during recess, sports practices, and other outdoor activities.

Keep water readily available, encourage children to take breaks during strenuous activity, and watch for signs of heat-related illness. Children and athletes can become dehydrated quickly during hot weather, and the CDC recommends drinking water regularly rather than waiting until thirst sets in.

Sun protection shouldn't disappear after summer vacation either. UV rays can cause skin damage even on cool, cloudy days, making shade, protective clothing, and sunscreen important year-round.

[  ] 6. Keep Up With Tick and Mosquito Prevention

Don't assume bug season ends when school begins.

Blacklegged ticks can pose a risk during spring, summer, and fall, and tick exposure can occur in backyards as well as wooded and brushy areas. Continue using appropriate repellent, checking children and pets after outdoor activities, and performing full-body tick checks.

Late summer is also an important time to reduce mosquito breeding areas around the home. Once a week, walk around the yard and empty, scrub, cover, or remove items that collect standing water, including buckets, toys, planters, birdbaths, and small pools. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent as directed when spending time outdoors.

[  ] 7. Close the Pool Safely

If swimming season is coming to an end at your home, pool safety still matters after the last swim.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for winterizing your pool and keep safety barriers in place throughout the process. In-ground pools should have an appropriate, properly maintained safety cover. For above-ground pools, secure or remove ladders as appropriate, and drain and store portable pools when they are no longer being used.

Take extra care with leftover pool chemicals. Keep them in their original labeled containers, protect them from moisture and excessive heat, store incompatible chemicals separately, and secure the storage area from children and pets. Never mix different pool chemicals together.

If chemicals are old, damaged, or no longer needed, don't simply pour them down a drain or throw unlabeled products in the trash. Follow the product instructions or contact your local household hazardous waste program for disposal guidance.

[  ] 8. Give the House and Yard One Last Summer Safety Check

The change of seasons is a useful reminder to take a quick walk around your home.

Put away summer tools, chemicals, and recreational equipment that children shouldn't access. Empty anything that has collected rainwater. Check outdoor play equipment for damage. Make sure medications, cleaning products, pesticides, and other household chemicals remain secured.

And while you're reorganizing for fall, make sure emergency numbers are easy to find and that older children know how to contact a parent, caregiver, or 911 when appropriate.

Start Fall Healthy and Prepared

The end of summer can be busy, but many of these tasks take only a few minutes. Checking vaccination records, reviewing the route to school, resetting sleep schedules, continuing insect and heat precautions, and safely putting away summer equipment can make the transition into fall healthier and safer for the entire family.

A successful school year starts before the first bell rings. Use these final weeks of summer to take care of the small health and safety details now — and head into the new season ready.

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Hurricane Season: What to Do if a Major Storm Impacts Connecticut

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Water coming over road during 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. For your safety and the well-being of your loved ones during hurricane season, it’s important to be prepared. Here are some valuable tips for staying safe and being prepared in the event of a hurricane impacting Southeastern Connecticut.

Remain Informed About Developments

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

First, 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-cranked 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.

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.

Sign up for Text Alerts from Uncas Health District

 

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