Winter storm closings, delays and safety information.

February 13, 2019 By Hartford HealthCare

The snow, sleet and ice has ended, and Hartford HealthCare is fully operational. If there is another storm, this is the page where you will find updates, closings, delays, cancellations and winter weather tips.

Closings and Delays:

• The Hospital of Central Connecticut Wound Center, 22 Pine St., Bristol, will re-open at 11am on Weds, Feb. 13.
  

Here are some safety tips from Hartford HealthCare:

Prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:

Each year, more than 150 people die from accidental, non-fire related carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. During large snow storms, gas-powered appliance vents can become blocked with snow. Be sure to clear all vents and be sure your car's exhaust pipe is clear. Other precautions:

• Before using a fireplace, open the damper for proper ventilation.
• Never use your oven or stove top to heat your home.
• Make sure all fuel-burning equipment is vented to the outside.
• Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open.
• Only use barbecue grills outdoors.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated area.

Snow blower safety:

• Never stick your hands in the snow blower! If snow jams the snow blower, stop the engine and wait more than 5 seconds. Use a solid object to clear wet snow or debris from the chute. Beware of the recoil of the motor and blades after the machine has been turned off.
• Never leave a running snow blower unattended.
• Add fuel only before starting the snow blower.
• Never add fuel in an enclosed space.
• The engine can become very hot. Avoid burns by never touching the area near the engine.
• Use the pull-cord safely. Sharply pulling a stuck pull-cord may cause injury to your upper body or back.
• If you are operating an electric snow blower, be aware of the power cord at all times. If the cord becomes caught in the machine and is severed or comes in contact with the engine and burns, you could receive a shock or more serious injury.
• Keep children far away from snow blowers.

Safe shoveling:

• Before you begin this physical workout, warm-up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.
• Pace yourself. Take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength.
• Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, bend your knees and use your legs, do not bend at the waist.
• Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.

For our staff:

For staff members who are scheduled to work, please:

• Leave additional time for travel. Parking and getting to your workplace will take longer than usual.
• Prepare your car prior to leaving; have water, a blanket, a charged cell phone, flares and a first-aid kit available.
• Wear appropriate footwear: flat, non-skid boots/shoes.
• Watch your step; snow may cover icy surfaces.
• Garage surfaces freeze. Use caution when exiting your vehicle.
• Watch for melted snow puddles in lobbies and hallways.
• When possible, walk in groups and on well-lit and clear paths.

The American Red Cross suggests putting together a supply kit that includes:

• 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.

Here are some safe driving tips from AAA:

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.