safety

Power Down: Your Guide to Staying Safe When the Lights Go Out

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gas generator in garage with gas cans

When the power goes out, and you’re left in the dark, a generator can save the day. However, before firing up these powerful machines, remember that generators, while helpful, require careful use and caution. Neglecting safety can lead to serious health hazards and even death.

Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

One of the biggest threats posed by generators is carbon monoxide (CO), a colorless, odorless gas produced by combustion. Inhaling CO can be deadly. It silently sneaks into your home through open windows or doorways, replacing oxygen in your bloodstream and robbing your body of vital energy.

Safety Tips:

  • Never run a generator indoors, in garages, basements, or any enclosed space.

  • Place the generator at least 20 feet away from your house, downwind if possible.

  • Install battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors in your home, near bedrooms and living areas.

  • Test your CO detectors monthly and replace batteries regularly.

  • If you experience dizziness, headache, nausea, or weakness, seek fresh air immediately and call emergency services.

Electrocution: Shocking Dangers

Generators generate electricity, and that means potential for shock. Improper use can lead to serious injury or even death.

Safety Tips:

  • Only operate the generator on a dry, level surface.

  • Keep the generator dry and avoid running it in rain or wet conditions.

  • Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

  • Use properly grounded, heavy-duty extension cords specifically designed for outdoor use.

  • Never connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system. This can back feed electricity to the grid, endangering utility workers and others.

Beyond the Generator: General Power Outage Precautions

While safe use of generators is important; don’t forget additional precautions while the power is out:

  • Fire Safety: Use flashlights or battery-powered lamps instead of candles. Keep fire extinguishers close at hand.

  • Food Safety: Refrigerated and frozen food may spoil quickly. Keep coolers on hand and pack them with ice to preserve perishables.

  • Medical Needs: If you rely on medical equipment requiring electricity, have a backup plan in place, such as battery-powered devices or alternative care arrangements.

  • Communication: Stay informed about the outage and potential restoration times through battery-powered radios or online sources accessible on your phone.

Remembering these safety tips and general precautions can help you navigate power outages with confidence and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. When darkness descends, let common sense and caution guide your way until the lights come back on.

Bonus Tip: Invest in a generator transfer switch installed by a qualified professional. This allows you to safely connect your generator to your home’s electrical system, providing backup power without the risk of backfeeding.

Stay safe, stay informed, and remember, even when the lights are out, knowledge is your brightest power source.

Learn more about Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from the CDC.

Winter’s Approaching — A Guide for Staying Healthy, Safe, and Prepared

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HVAC Technician Inspecting Furnace in Dimly Lit Basement

As the seasons shift and temperatures decline, it is important to address the health and safety challenges that accompany the colder winter months. From managing increased risks of infectious diseases to safeguarding homes against potential hazards, proactive measures can significantly enhance well-being and security. This comprehensive guide outlines essential considerations to maintain health and safety as winter approaches.

Mitigating Risks During Flu Season

The onset of winter heralds the beginning of flu season, necessitating vigilant health precautions to minimize the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

  • Timely Immunizations: Securing vaccinations is a primary defense against influenza. It is advised to receive the flu vaccine by September or October to ensure optimal immunity before peak transmission periods. Additionally, other relevant immunizations, such as COVID-19 boosters and the pneumonia vaccine, should be considered to bolster protection against respiratory pathogens.
  • Hygiene Practices: Adhering to stringent hygiene protocols—regular hand washing with soap and water, using hand sanitizers, and practicing respiratory etiquette by covering coughs and sneezes—can effectively reduce infection rates.
  • Awareness of Symptoms: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19 facilitates timely medical intervention and prevents further transmission within communities.

Maintaining Heating Systems and Chimneys

Effective heating is essential for comfort and safety during winter, but improperly maintained heating systems and chimneys can pose significant risks, including fire hazards and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

  • Routine Inspections: Schedule professional inspections of heating systems, including furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters, prior to the winter season. Regular maintenance ensures the efficient and safe operation of these devices, mitigating the risk of malfunctions or overheating.
  • Chimney Cleaning: Annual cleaning of chimneys and ventilation systems by certified technicians is important to remove soot, creosote buildup, and debris. This practice not only enhances heating efficiency but also prevents chimney fires and CO accumulation.
  • Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Install CO detectors in key areas of the home, such as near sleeping quarters and heating appliances. Regularly test these devices to ensure their functionality, providing an essential safeguard against invisible and potentially lethal CO exposure.

Preparing for Severe Winter Weather

Winter storms characterized by snow, ice, and extreme cold can disrupt daily life and pose significant safety threats. Comprehensive preparedness strategies can mitigate the impact of such events.

  • Emergency Supplies: Assemble a winter emergency kit containing essential items such as flashlights, batteries, warm blankets, non-perishable food, and bottled water. Include a first aid kit and necessary prescription medications to address unforeseen circumstances.
  • Power Outage Plans: Develop contingency plans for potential power outages, including alternative heating sources and access to local warming centers. Ensure that electronic devices, particularly communication tools like cell phones, are adequately charged and consider procuring backup power solutions such as portable chargers.
  • Vehicle Preparedness: Equip vehicles with winter essentials, including appropriate tires, a full gas tank, ice scrapers, blankets, non-perishable snacks, water, and jumper cables. Regular vehicle maintenance ensures reliability and safety during adverse driving conditions.

Supporting Mental Health During Winter

The reduced daylight and increased isolation during winter months can adversely affect mental health, leading to conditions such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other forms of depression.

  • Access to Resources: Individuals experiencing mental health challenges should be aware of available support services. Resources such as WeAreCT.org offer comprehensive resources and assistance for those in crisis. Additionally, numerous programs and support networks provide counseling, crisis intervention, and community support to individuals grappling with mental health issues.
  • Social Connectivity: Maintaining regular contact with family, friends, and community groups can provide essential emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Engaging in social activities, whether in-person or virtual, fosters a sense of belonging and resilience.

Preventing Slips and Falls

Icy and snowy conditions significantly increase the risk of slips and falls, particularly among the elderly population. Implementing preventive measures can reduce the incidence of related injuries.

  • De-icing Walkways: Apply salt, sand, or commercial ice melt products to sidewalks, driveways, and entryways to enhance traction and minimize slip hazards.
  • Appropriate Footwear: Encourage the use of footwear with non-slip soles and adequate traction to navigate icy surfaces safely.
  • Cautious Mobility: Advise individuals to take deliberate, measured steps, utilize handrails where available, and exercise caution when traversing potentially hazardous areas.

The transition to colder weather demands a multifaceted approach to health and safety. By prioritizing immunizations, maintaining heating systems, preparing for severe weather, supporting mental health, and preventing slips and falls, individuals and families can navigate the winter months with confidence and security. Proactive planning and awareness are key to ensuring a safe and healthy winter season.

Helpful Tips to Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Halloween

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Kids trick or treat. Halloween fun for children.
Halloween is exciting — especially for kids. There are costumes, events, decorations, and, of course, candy. Though it’s an exciting time, it’s also important to make safe and healthy choices while enjoying these holiday festivities. Whether you’re trick-or-treating, attending a Halloween party, or handing out candy at home, here are some tips to make sure your Halloween is both fun and safe for everyone.
 

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

Costumes, candy, and nighttime adventures are all part of the fun, but they come with risks that can be managed with some simple precautions:

  • Choose well-fitting, flame-resistant costumes: Ill-fitting costumes can be a tripping hazard, and some materials are more flammable than others. Always check labels for flame resistance to minimize fire risk from candles or other decorations.
  • Increase visibility: If your child’s costume is dark, add reflective tape or glow-in-the-dark stickers to both the costume and their treat bag. This makes them easier to spot for drivers and others in the dark. Light-colored costumes are a safer choice for visibility.
  • Opt for face paint instead of masks: Masks can obstruct your child’s vision and breathing. If you choose to use a mask, ensure it has large eyeholes and good airflow.
  • Stay together: For younger children, it’s best to accompany them while trick-or-treating. If your children are older and trick-or-treating without an adult, ensure they go in groups and stick to familiar neighborhoods.
  • Use safe routes: Only trick-or-treat at well-lit homes with decorations. If a house has its lights off, it’s a sign they aren’t participating in Halloween activities.
  • Inspect candy: Before allowing your child to indulge in their candy haul, inspect everything to ensure it’s properly sealed. Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking candy.

Halloween Candy and Healthy Eating Habits

While candy is synonymous with Halloween, it’s important to encourage healthy eating habits even during this festive time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the average American child consumes between 3,500 and 7,000 calories of candy on Halloween. Overconsumption of sweets can lead to long-term health issues, such as obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes. However, with a few smart strategies, you can help your child enjoy treats in moderation.

Here are Some Ways to Manage Candy Consumption:

  • Set limits on candy intake: Establish a clear rule about how much candy your child can have each day after Halloween. This helps them enjoy their treats without overindulging in one sitting.
  • Serve candy with meals: Eating candy alongside a balanced meal can help slow down the sugar absorption and avoid sudden spikes in blood sugar.
  • Promote healthier options: While candy is part of the fun, consider offering healthier alternatives like dark chocolate, which contains less sugar than milk chocolate. Sugar-free candies are another good option, particularly for children with dietary restrictions.
  • Encourage balance with other snacks: Instead of filling up solely on candy, offer nutritious snacks like fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. This will help fill your child up with fiber and nutrients while leaving room for a few sweet treats.

Teaching Healthy Habits Early On

Halloween is a great opportunity to start conversations with your child about making healthier food choices:

  • Explain the importance of moderation: Help your child understand that candy is a treat to be enjoyed in small amounts. Teaching them this early helps establish lifelong healthy eating habits.
  • Model healthy behaviors: As a parent, your example can speak louder than words. Limit your own candy intake and enjoy Halloween treats mindfully to set a positive example.
  • Get creative with leftover candy: Consider “buying” some of your child’s candy to reduce the amount they have on hand. You can also donate extra candy to local charities or dental offices participating in candy buy-back programs.

Additional Halloween Safety Tips

  • Keep your home safe for trick-or-treaters: If you’re handing out candy, ensure that your walkway is well-lit, clear of obstacles, and free of tripping hazards like loose decorations. Consider using battery-operated candles instead of open flames to prevent accidental fires.
  • Allergy awareness: Be mindful of children with food allergies. Consider offering non-food treats like stickers, glow sticks, or small toys, which are great alternatives for kids with dietary restrictions. Houses participating in the “Teal Pumpkin Project” display a teal-colored pumpkin, indicating they offer non-food treats.
  • Stay hydrated: Halloween activities can be surprisingly exhausting, especially for children. Encourage them to drink water throughout the evening, as sugary treats can lead to dehydration.

Final Thoughts

Halloween should be a time of fun and excitement, but safety and health should always come first. By following these safety and healthy-eating tips, you can ensure that your child enjoys a memorable Halloween without the risks that can sometimes accompany the holiday.

National Preparedness Month: Are You 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 plan for safety before, during, and after any emergency.

In 2024, the National Preparedness Month Theme is “Start a Conversation.” 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 store medicine safely? Ready.gov has guidance on what you should do 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 has more tips on how to safeguard 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!

Sign Up for Text Alerts from Uncas Health District

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.

Sign up for Text Alerts from Uncas Health District

Beyond the Statistics: The Untold Stories of Brain Injuries

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kids on bikes with helmets

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time to shed light on the millions of Americans living with the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI). While statistics tell part of the story, every one of the estimated 2.8 million Americans who sustain a TBI each year, and the 5 million living with TBI-related disabilities, has a unique story to share.

Behind the numbers are individuals and families navigating the challenges of a life forever changed. A seemingly ordinary fall, a car accident, a sports injury – any sudden impact to the head can lead to a TBI, impacting physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of life.

While recovery is possible, the road can be long and arduous. Research shows that the five-year outcomes of individuals with TBI are:

  • 22% deceased
  • 30% worse off
  • 22% unchanged
  • 26% improved

These statistics highlight the vast spectrum of experiences after a TBI, emphasizing the need for both awareness and action.

Knowing about the common causes of brain injury can help us take preventive measures:

  • Falls: The leading cause of TBI, especially in older adults.
  • Motor vehicle crashes: A significant risk factor, particularly for individuals who ride motorcycles or bicycles.
  • Violence: Assaults and sports injuries can contribute to TBIs.

Prevention strategies include:

  • Wearing helmets during activities like cycling and riding motorcycles.
  • Using fall prevention measures at home, especially in high-risk areas like bathrooms.
  • Promoting child safety through car seats, bike helmets, and playground supervision.

If you or someone you know experiences a serious head injury, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Early diagnosis and intervention can significantly impact recovery and long-term outcomes.

During Brain Injury Awareness Month, let’s remember:

  • Behind the statistics are individuals and families with unique stories.
  • Brain injuries can have lasting impacts, but recovery is possible.
  • Prevention measures can significantly reduce the risk of TBI.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for optimal outcomes.

By raising awareness, advocating for support, and encouraging preventive measures, we can create a safer environment and empower individuals living with TBI to reach their full potential. Remember, every story matters. Let’s listen, learn, and support.

Learn More About Brain Injuries from the Brain Injury Alliance of Connecticut.

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