By Mary Welander
State Rep., D-114
Mary Welander
The past two years have been difficult for many Connecticut residents, but there are programs in place to help get you and your home through tough times safely, especially as the weather changes from autumn to winter.
For heating assistance please visit ct.gov/staywarm or operationfuel.org. There are also programs for utility assistance and advice on how to make your home more energy efficient. All of these links can be found on my website at housedems.ct.gov/Welander. You can also call 211 for more information on home, food or personal assistance and support. Here are some suggestions of what you can do directly to stay healthy this winter.
Touch base with your physician. A recent DataHaven study showed that 12 percent of Connecticut women and 10 percent of men skipped or postponed (34 percent of women, 26 percent of men surveyed) needed medical care over the last year. Take care of yourself.
If you are looking for health insurance, or want to compare plans, visit accesshealthct.com for more information and in-person events around the state. The open enrollment deadline is Jan. 15.
Be sure to have all prescriptions filled. Ask your doctor about advanced refills if a major storm is anticipated.
Get your flu and COVID vaccinations. School cases are increasing, and recent state positivity rates hit over 8 percent. Children ages 5 and up can get the vaccine, and all state residents over 18 are now eligible for the COVID-19 booster shot, which maintains higher levels of protection needed against this virus. While we have made incredible progress, we are not out of the woods yet. Vaccine information can be found at portal.ct.gov/Vaccine-Portal or vaccines.gov.
Turn off water to outside spigots and let them drain empty. Know how to turn off your main water valve in case of a burst pipe.
Check generators and have extra fuel ready. Never run a generator or a gas/propane/charcoal grill inside your home. If your fireplace/woodstove is safe for fires, have seasoned firewood on hand.
Have non-perishable foods and water ready.
Be sure to have food and medication for your pets.
Check in with elderly or vulnerable neighbors and friends before a serious weather incident happens.
Lastly, some exciting information. I was thrilled on Nov. 19 to join our federal delegation to announce that a $12.6 million federal grant had been awarded to improve the Derby Multimodal Transit Center. I had been working with the state Department of Transportation and local agencies on this grant for months, and I am so grateful for their partnership in this effort. As of today, only 13 of these grants have been awarded nationwide. This is the only one in Connecticut. This funding provides needed safety upgrades to the station and the surrounding area, electric bus/vehicle infrastructure, and will transform the way people travel in our region.
Please visit my website for other important information. As always, you can call or email me any time at 860-240-8354 or mary.welander@cga.ct.gov.