public safety

Hurricane Season: It’s Never Too Early to Be Prepared

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storm damage

It’s June, the days are long and sunny, and thoughts of tropical storms are probably far from your mind. But here in Southeastern Connecticut, hurricane season officially began on June 1st. While major hurricanes are rare in our region, we can still experience the effects of these powerful storms later in the season, typically between August and late September.

Governor Ned Lamont recently emphasized the importance of being proactive in a press release, urging residents to take steps now to ensure their safety and well-being in the event of a hurricane.

“It’s never too early to make sure you and your family are prepared for natural disasters, especially hurricanes,” Governor Lamont said. “Hurricane season is part of our reality in Connecticut, and we’re doing everything we can to make preparations and ensure our residents stay safe, including reminding everyone about the steps they can take to protect themselves, such as making an emergency plan and pulling together emergency kits. A few small steps like these can go a long way and save you time in the event that you need to act quickly.”

Here are some key ways to be prepared for a potential hurricane:

  • Build an Emergency Kit: Stock up on non-perishable food, bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days), a first-aid kit, medications, flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a whistle (for signaling for help). Don’t forget to include items for specific needs, like baby supplies or pet food.
  • Power Outage Plan: Charge all portable electronics beforehand. Consider investing in a solar phone charger or a hand-crank radio for extended outages. Flashlights are essential, but headlamps can be even more helpful, keeping your hands free.
  • Water Safety: Hurricanes often bring heavy rain and flooding. Fill a bathtub with clean water for sanitation purposes in case the water supply is compromised.
  • Flood Preparedness: If you live in a low-lying area, consider having sandbags on hand to help prevent floodwaters from entering your home.
  • Secure Your Property: Trim branches from trees around your home to minimize wind damage. Board up windows if necessary. Bring in outdoor furniture and decorations that could become projectiles in high winds.

Stay Informed

Download the CT Prepares app for real-time weather alerts and emergency information.

Preparation is key

 Taking steps now can help ensure your family’s safety and peace of mind throughout the hurricane season.

National Safety Month: Simple Steps for a Safe June (and Beyond!)

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girl wearing doctor uniform holding first kit

June is National Safety Month, a dedicated time to raise awareness about preventing injuries and accidents. But safety shouldn’t be confined to just one month — here are some easy-to-implement tips to keep yourself and your loved ones safe all year round.

Be Prepared with a First-Aid Kit

Accidents happen. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit readily available at home, in the car, or at work can make a big difference in treating minor injuries. Review the contents of your kit regularly and replace expired items.

Safety First at Work

If your job involves potentially hazardous conditions, following safety guidelines is paramount. This includes wearing high-visibility clothing in low-light environments, using proper footwear with good traction, and ensuring all equipment is functioning correctly before operating it. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see unsafe practices – your voice can prevent accidents.

Road Safety

While it’s always important to practice safe and cautious driving, June is a month to remember that school is out — kids will be out playing, there is an increase in road work — which can put workers at risk of injury or death, and motorcycles are out — but are often less visible than most other vehicles on the road.

Reduce Risks

Sometimes, the best safety measure is simply removing potential hazards. Take a look around your home and workplace. Are there loose cords, tripping hazards, or cluttered walkways? By keeping your environment organized and clutter-free, you significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Prepare for Emergencies

Disasters can strike at any time. Being prepared can minimize stress and confusion in the face of an emergency. Work with your family to create an emergency plan that outlines evacuation routes, communication strategies, and meeting locations. Regularly update your plan and conduct practice drills to ensure everyone knows what to do.

By incorporating these simple steps into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries for yourself and those around you. Remember, safety is a shared responsibility – let’s all work together to make every month a safe month!

Bonus Tip: National Safety Council (https://www.nsc.org/) offers a wealth of resources on safety in the workplace, at home, and on the road. Take some time this June to explore their website and learn more about how you can stay safe!

Get the Lead Out: Testing and Screening for Lead Exposure

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chid with toy in his mouth

Lead poisoning is a serious health concern, especially for young children whose bodies and minds are still developing. Exposure to lead can have long-lasting negative consequences, including:

  • Learning and behavior problems: Difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and decreased IQ.
  • Developmental delays: Growth problems and delayed speech and language development.
  • Hearing and vision problems: Lead exposure can even impact a child’s hearing and vision.

Unfortunately, lead is still present in our environment, and in Connecticut, this is of particular concern. Around 70% of the state’s housing stock was built before 1980, and lead paint was commonly used in homes constructed prior to 1978. This means the potential for lead exposure exists in many homes across Connecticut.

The only way to know if your child has been exposed to lead is through a blood test administered by a healthcare provider. Thankfully, Connecticut has taken a crucial step by mandating universal blood lead screening. This means all children in the state are required to be tested at least twice between the ages of 9 months and 35 months.

However, while this initial screening is crucial, only about 60% of children in Connecticut receive the recommended two tests before the age of 3. This is concerning because lead exposure can occur at any time during this critical developmental window.

Here’s what you can do to protect your child:

  • Know your home’s history. If your home was built before 1978, consider getting it tested for lead paint. You can find resources and information on lead testing at https://portal.ct.gov/dph/Environmental-Health/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control/Lead-Poisoning-Prevention-and-Control-Program.
  • Schedule regular blood lead tests for your child. Talk to your pediatrician about getting your child tested at the recommended intervals, even if you don’t suspect lead exposure.
  • Be aware of potential sources of lead exposure. While lead paint is the most common source, lead can also be found in soil, dust, and even some imported toys, foods, and products.

By taking these steps, we can work together to protect our children from the dangers of lead poisoning and ensure they have the healthy environment they need to thrive. Let’s make sure every child in Connecticut has the opportunity for a healthy start in life.

RECALL ALERT: Children’s Rhinestone Silver Tiaras Found to Contain Lead

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The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of about 12,400 Yaomaio children’s rhinestone silver tiaras because they contain lead levels above the federal limit. The tiara with red rhinestones was sold in a package with three other tiara styles (blue, purple, and clear) that are not included in the recall. All four tiaras came in the same cardboard packaging marked “Yaomaio.” Amazon sold them between January 2021 and November 2023 for about $19 a package. Consumers should immediately take the recalled tiaras away from their children, stop using them, and contact LordRoadS for a refund. LordRoadS and Amazon are contacting all known purchasers.

recalled tiara

 

Name of Product: Yaomiao Children’s Rhinestone Silver Tiaras
Hazard: The rhinestones embedded in the recalled tiaras contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.
Remedy: Refund
Recall Date: January 25, 2024
Units: About 12,440

Helpful tips for a healthy and safe Halloween

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Kids trick or treat. Halloween fun for children.



Halloween is a favorite holiday for both children and adults, but it is important to make safe and healthy choices while enjoying the occasion. Here are some tips for parents on how everyone can enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween.

Trick-or-treating safety

  • Make sure your child’s costume is well-fitting and flame-resistant.
  • Add reflective tape or stickers to your child’s costume and bag to make them more visible to drivers.
  • Choose a light-colored costume if possible.
  • If your child is wearing a mask, make sure it has large eyeholes and that it allows them to breathe easily.
  • Accompany young children while trick-or-treating.
  • Only trick-or-treat at houses that are well-lit and decorated.
  • Inspect all candy before allowing your child to eat it.

Healthy eating habits with Halloween candy

  • Limit your child’s candy intake.
  • Encourage your child to choose healthier candy options, such as dark chocolate or sugar-free candy.
  • Serve candy with a meal or snack to help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Offer your child other healthy snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the average American child consumes between 3,500 and 7,000 calories worth of candy on Halloween. 

Eating too much candy can be a contributing factor in future health problems, including obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes. It’s important to teach your child healthy eating habits at a young age, and Halloween is a good opportunity to start.

Here are some tips for helping your child make healthy candy choices:

  • Talk to your child about the importance of eating healthy foods.
  • Explain that candy is a treat, and that it should be eaten in moderation.
  • Help your child choose healthier candy options, such as dark chocolate or sugar-free candy.
  • Serve candy with a meal or snack to help regulate blood sugar levels.
  • Offer your child other healthy snacks, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

By following these tips, you can help your child enjoy Halloween safely and healthily.

When is it safe to swim in a naturally occurring body of water?

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girls swimming in a river

Spending time in natural bodies of water — like oceans, lakes, and rivers — is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.

While this can help you stay active, it is important to know that the water we swim, play, wade, and relax in can also spread germs and make you, and those you care about, sick. Germs found in the water and sand (swim area) often come from human or animal feces (poop). One way germs can be carried into swim areas is by heavy rain. Water from heavy rain picks up anything it comes in contact with (for example, poop from where animals live) and can drain into swim areas.

These germs can also come from humans or animals pooping in or near the water. Water contaminated with these germs can make you sick if you swallow it. It can also cause an infection if you get into the water with an open cut or wound (especially from a surgery or piercing). If your body’s ability to fight germs is already affected by other health problems or medicines, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in oceans, lakes, rivers, and other natural bodies of water.

Research has shown that the risk of infection is the highest during and the day after rain, and declines to around normal levels after three days.

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