PUBLIC ALERT:
February 01, 2015
Another storm hits – no closures or delays at this time
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for our region, with 6-12 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain forecasted from late tonight through Monday evening.
There has been no activation of our emergency plan, but our storm preparedness team is closely monitoring the situation and will be meeting periodically throughout.
All staff are expected to work their regularly scheduled shifts. To help with this, we are offering sleeping accommodations at Backus and Windham tonight, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015. At Windham, please call the nursing supervisor at 860-942-5050. At Backus, please reach out to the nursing supervisor at 860-889-8331, ext. 6812.
At this time, we anticipate all of our ambulatory and outpatient services to open on time.
Because there still remains some uncertainty with the forecast, please continue to monitor our public websites at www.windhamhospital.org and www.backushospital.org, and click on “public alert.” This is where you will find updated information on closings or delays, if there are any.
Although this is not expected to be a storm of the magnitude of last week’s blizzard, now is the time to take personal and professional preparedness precautions, including allowing extra time for travel and preparing for child care, as there are expected to be school closings tomorrow.
Below is some storm preparedness information from the Red Cross that you might find helpful:
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 stove.