Family Safety

Getting Ready for Cold Weather: A Fall Safety Checklist

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Fall clean up

The weeks before the first hard frost are the best time to get your home, your health, and your household safety equipment ready for winter. Across the Uncas Health District, the cold months bring a predictable set of risks: heating-related fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, power outages that send families to generators, and respiratory illnesses that spread faster when we spend more time indoors.

Most of these risks are preventable with a few hours of work and a few quick appointments. This guide walks through four areas to tackle now, while the weather is still mild: preparing your home, getting vaccinated, testing your safety devices and generator, and having your heating system checked.

Winterize Your Home: Clean, Seal, and Keep the Air Moving

A tighter, warmer home is also a home where moisture, dust, and indoor pollutants build up. A little cleaning now keeps the air healthier all winter.

  • Replace furnace and HVAC filters. A clogged filter makes your system work harder and circulates more dust, pet dander, and allergens. Check the filter monthly during heating season and replace it at least every three months, or sooner if you have pets or allergies.
  • Clean vents, registers, and returns. Vacuum dust from supply and return grilles, and make sure furniture, rugs, and curtains are not blocking airflow.
  • Clear the dryer vent. Lint buildup is a leading cause of dryer fires, and a blocked vent can also push exhaust back into the home. Clean the lint trap after every load and clear the duct and outside vent opening at least once a year.
  • Seal drafts, but don't seal the house shut. Weatherstripping around doors and caulk around windows save energy. Just leave intentional vents, such as those for your furnace, water heater, and clothes dryer, unblocked.
  • Use exhaust fans. Run the bathroom fan during and after showers and the kitchen range hood when cooking, especially on a gas stove. Both move moisture and combustion byproducts outdoors.
  • Watch for moisture. Condensation on windows, musty smells, or visible mold are signs of too much humidity. Indoor humidity generally feels best and stays healthiest between 30 and 50 percent. A basic hygrometer costs a few dollars. Fix leaks promptly, and clean small patches of mold with soap and water.
  • Open windows briefly on mild days. Even ten minutes of fresh air on a milder afternoon helps clear stale air without a big heating penalty.

Finish the outdoor work too: clean the gutters, disconnect and drain garden hoses, shut off outdoor water lines if your plumbing allows, and keep snow shovels, ice melt, and a flashlight within easy reach before the first storm.

Get Vaccinated Before Respiratory Virus Season Peaks

October is the right month to get your flu shot. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) notes that vaccination in October gives your body about two weeks to build protection before flu activity typically climbs, which in Connecticut has been around December. DPH recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. If you haven't gotten yours yet, now is the time. If you miss October, a later shot still helps, because flu season can run into spring.

Here is where DPH stands on the other major respiratory vaccines this season, according to its October 13, 2026 announcement:

  • Flu: Everyone 6 months and older, every year. Some children getting a flu vaccine for the first time need two doses about a month apart, so ask your pediatrician. Adults 65 and older can ask about higher-dose or enhanced flu vaccines, but should not delay vaccination to wait for a particular product.
  • COVID-19: DPH recommends vaccination for children under two and for people in high-risk groups. Everyone else is encouraged to talk with their health care provider about what is right for them. Several medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, recommend an updated COVID-19 vaccine for all adults.
  • RSV: Adults 75 and older who have not yet received the vaccine, and high-risk adults ages 60 to 74. For infants, protection comes either from RSV vaccination during pregnancy or from an antibody shot given to babies entering RSV season or born during it.

The federal government has not yet issued updated COVID-19 or RSV recommendations for this season, leaving some families unsure where to turn. DPH has endorsed the 2026-27 recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Your doctor, pediatrician, or pharmacist can help you sort out which shots make sense for you and your household. Questions are welcome. As DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani puts it, people should feel empowered to ask their doctor any question about vaccines.

Where to get vaccinated. Many people can get a flu shot at their doctor's office or a local pharmacy. You can search for nearby locations at vaccinefinder.org. DPH also maintains a statewide list of flu clinics developed with local health departments, community health centers, and the CT Immunization Coalition, including options for homebound residents. Uninsured and underinsured adults may be able to get a flu vaccine at no cost through the Connecticut Vaccines for Adults program. Contact the participating site for eligibility and appointments.

A few habits help round out your protection: wash your hands often, stay home when you are sick, cover coughs and sneezes, and consider a well-fitting mask in crowded indoor spaces if you or someone at home is at higher risk.

Test Alarms and Generators Before You Need Them

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms only protect you if they work. The weekend the clocks change, Sunday, November 1, this year, is a good reminder to check everyone in your home.

Smoke alarms

  • Test each alarm monthly by pressing the test button.
  • Install alarms on every level of the home, including the basement, and in both indoor and outdoor sleeping areas.
  • Replace batteries when the clocks change if your alarms use replaceable batteries.
  • Replace the entire alarm after ten years. The manufacture date is printed on the back.

Carbon monoxide alarms

CO is an invisible, odorless gas produced by anything that burns fuel. Alarms are the only reliable way to detect it. The Connecticut DPH recommends placing CO alarms near all sleeping areas and on each floor, and replacing them about every five years because the sensors wear out. Check the label on yours, since replacement dates vary by manufacturer.

Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and nausea, and they are easy to mistake for the flu. If several people in the household feel sick and then feel better when they leave the house, suspect CO. If an alarm sounds or you suspect poisoning, get everyone outside right away, then call 911 from outside. The Connecticut Poison Control Center is available at 1-800-222-1222.

Test your generator now, not during the storm

Power outages are when CO poisonings from generators most often occur, and the cause is almost always running the generator too close to or inside the home. Take an hour on a dry day to:

  • Run the generator outdoors for several minutes at a light load to make sure it starts and runs smoothly.
  • Check the oil, and replace fuel that has been sitting for months. Old gasoline can gum up the engine.
  • Inspect extension cords for cuts and frays. Use heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords rated higher than the total load you plan to connect.
  • Confirm you have working CO alarms with fresh batteries on every floor.

Using a generator safely

  • Always operate it outdoors, never in a garage, basement, shed, carport, or crawlspace, even with doors and windows open. Fans and open windows do not prevent CO from building up.
  • Keep it at least 20 feet from the house, and point the exhaust away from doors, windows, and vents.
  • Never plug a generator into a wall outlet to power your house wiring. This is called backfeeding. It can send electricity back onto the power lines and seriously injure utility workers. If you want to power household circuits, have a licensed electrician install a transfer switch.
  • Let it cool before refueling, and turn it off first. Gasoline spilled on hot parts can ignite.
  • Store fuel outdoors, in approved, labeled containers, away from living areas and fuel-burning appliances.
  • Keep it dry. If it rains or snows, shelter the generator under an open canopy-style cover on dry ground, never in an enclosed space.
  • Clear snow from around the generator exhaust, dryer vents, and car tailpipes during and after storms.

More guidance is available from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Have Your Heating System Checked 

Heating equipment is a leading source of both winter house fires and CO exposure, and the most common problems, such as blocked flues, cracked heat exchangers, and creosote buildup, are invisible to the untrained eye. The Connecticut DPH recommends having heating systems, chimney flues, gas appliances, wood stoves, and generators inspected every year and cleaned or serviced as needed by a qualified contractor. Book early, because technicians fill up quickly once the first cold snap arrives.

Furnaces and boilers

  • Schedule an annual tune-up with a licensed technician. Ask them to check the burner, heat exchanger, venting, and safety controls.
  • Look for warning signs: a yellow or flickering burner flame instead of a steady blue one, soot or rust around the unit, water pooling beneath the unit, or unusual smells or noises.
  • Check that the flue pipe and the outdoor intake and exhaust vents are intact and clear. After a snowfall, dig out outdoor vents so exhaust can escape.
  • If you heat with oil, make sure the tank is full enough for the cold months and that the lines and fittings show no leaks.

Chimneys, fireplaces, and wood stoves

  • Have the chimney inspected and cleaned each year. Creosote, a tar-like residue from burning wood, builds up inside the flue and can ignite. Birds' nests and debris can also block the flue, forcing smoke and CO into the house.
  • Use a sturdy screen in front of the fireplace, and burn only seasoned, dry hardwood. Never burn trash, treated lumber, or accelerants.
  • Place the ashes in a covered metal container and keep it outside, away from the house, garage, and anything that burns. Ashes can hold hot embers for days.

Space heaters and other supplemental heat

  • Choose a heater with an automatic shutoff that shuts off safely when tipped over, and look for a recognized safety certification such as UL.
  • Keep it at least three feet from furniture, bedding, curtains, and anything else that can burn.
  • Plug it directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord or power strip. Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
  • Never use a gas oven, stovetop, or charcoal or propane grill to heat your home. These produce deadly levels of CO and should never be used indoors.
  • Kerosene and other fuel-burning heaters should only be used if they are made for indoor use, and with plenty of ventilation and a working CO alarm nearby.

If you rent, contact your landlord about heating inspections, working alarms, and any problems you notice. Connecticut residents who are struggling with heating costs may also be able to get help through local community action agencies or by calling 2-1-1.

Your Quick Fall Checklist

None of these steps takes long, and together they cut your household's risk of fire, CO poisoning, and serious respiratory illness this winter.

  • Get your flu shot, and talk with your provider about COVID-19 and RSV vaccines
  • Replace furnace filters and clean vents, registers, and the dryer vent
  • Test every smoke and CO alarm, and note any that are more than 10 years (smoke) or about 5 years (CO) old
  • Book your furnace, boiler, and chimney inspections
  • Test-run your generator outdoors, and stock safe fuel storage and heavy-duty cords
  • Check space heaters, cords, and clearances
  • Stock an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, medications, water, and nonperishable food

If you have questions about staying healthy this winter, your local health department and your health care provider are good places to start.

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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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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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Understanding RSV: How to Protect Your Child During Peak Season

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young boy with a backpack coughing into his hand.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common and contagious virus that affects the respiratory system, especially in infants and young children. While it often presents as a mild cold, RSV can lead to severe complications in some cases, making it important for parents to be informed about when the virus is most prevalent, the symptoms to watch for, and how to protect their children, including the use of new vaccines.

When Is RSV Most Prevalent?

RSV circulates throughout the year but tends to spike in the fall and winter months. The virus typically thrives in colder weather, making October through March the most common time for RSV infections. This is also when children are back in school or daycare, increasing their exposure to germs in crowded settings.

The Potential Harms of RSV

For most children and adults, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms that resolve on their own. However, RSV can be more severe in certain groups, including:

  • Infants (especially those under six months)
  • Premature babies
  • Children with weakened immune systems
  • Children with underlying heart or lung conditions
  • Older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions

In these high-risk groups, RSV can lead to serious health complications such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia. RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in infants under one year of age in the U.S.

Protecting Your Child from RSV

There are several measures parents can take to protect their children from RSV, including:

  1. Vaccination: RSV vaccines are available for infants and adults over 60. For babies, nirsevimab, an RSV monoclonal antibody, can be given to protect against severe RSV infection. This preventative treatment is recommended for infants, especially those at high risk for severe RSV. Speak to your pediatrician to determine whether this option is suitable for your child.

  2. Good Hygiene Practices: Since RSV spreads through direct contact and droplets, practicing good hygiene can significantly reduce the chances of infection. This includes:
    • Frequent hand-washing with soap and water.
    • Avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
    • Regularly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces that are touched often, like toys and doorknobs.
    • Teaching children to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

  3. Limit Exposure: If possible, try to limit your baby’s exposure to crowded places, especially during peak RSV season. You might also consider keeping infants away from individuals who have cold-like symptoms.

chart describing types of vaccines against RSV

Recognizing the Symptoms of RSV

RSV symptoms can mimic those of a common cold, but it’s important to know when they might signal something more serious. Common symptoms include:

  • Runny nose
  • Coughing and sneezing
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing

In severe cases, infants might show signs of respiratory distress, such as:

  • Rapid breathing or gasping for air
  • Flared nostrils
  • Bluish skin color due to lack of oxygen

What to Do if Symptoms Appear

If your child begins to show symptoms of RSV, it’s important to monitor their condition closely. Mild cases can usually be managed at home by keeping your child comfortable, ensuring they stay hydrated, and using fever reducers as recommended by your pediatrician.

However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice signs of worsening illness, such as difficulty breathing, severe coughing, or if your child is lethargic or not feeding well. In some cases, hospitalization may be required for supplemental oxygen or fluids.

Stay Prepared and Informed

RSV is a virus that many children will encounter at some point, but by staying informed and taking preventative steps, you can reduce the risks of severe illness. Vaccinations, good hygiene, and prompt medical care when symptoms arise are the best ways to protect your child during RSV season. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized guidance on how to keep your family healthy.

For more information, visit the CDC’s RSV page or contact Uncas Health District.