Weather Alert: Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network announces delayed openings to 10am for Feb. 2

February 01, 2015

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm warning for our region, an average of 6 or more inches of snow is expected in a 12 hour period.  HHCRN is implementing a delayed 10am opening for our outpatient offices at Hartford Hospital Rehabilitation Network, The Hospital of Central Connecticut Rehabilitation Network, Backus Hospital Rehabilitation Network and Windham Hospital Rehabilitation Network.

We will post updates to this web page throughout the storm and ask staff to monitor the this page and HHC email. You can access your work email remotely at mail.hhchealth.org. You can also check our HHCRN Facebook page. If you have questions, feel to contact your supervisor.

As always, our hospitals will remain open throughout the storm and staff is expected report as scheduled. Please see the attached memo from Jeff Flaks regarding system-wide preparations.

Now is the time to begin to prepare, both personally and professionally. We are allowing staff to sleep at all of our hospitals overnight to ensure the safety of our staff and to have adequate people to take care of patients.

To help you prepare, here are some personal safety tips from the Red Cross.

Winter Storm Facts

Winter storms can range from a moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Some winter storms are large enough to affect several states, while others affect only a single community. Many winter storms are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong winds, icing, sleet and freezing rain.

Regardless of the severity of a winter storm, you should be prepared in order to remain safe during these events.

Know the Difference

Winter Storm Outlook – Winter storm conditions are possible in the next 2 to 5 days.

Winter Weather Advisory – Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Watch – Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. People in a watch area should review their winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.

Winter Storm Warning – Life-threatening, severe winter conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours. People in a warning area should take precautions immediately.
Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 mph / 15 m/s or greater with heavy snow is forecast for a period of 3 hours or more. A blizzard tends to reduce visibilities to 1/4 of a mile (400 m) or less.

How to Prepare for a Winter Storm

  • Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.
  • Insulate your home by installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic from the inside to keep cold air out.
  • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Put Together a Supply Kit

  • Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day
  • Food—at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable, easy-to-prepare food
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
  • Extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
  • Multi-purpose tool
  • Sanitation and personal hygiene items
  • Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
  • Cell phone with chargers
  • Family and emergency contact information
  • Extra cash
  • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
  • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
  • Tools/supplies for securing your home
  • Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery
  • Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members
  • Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves