Andre Baker Jr

Winter Storm Preparation Tips

The Red Cross has compiled tips for winter storm preparation:

Have a Plan to Stay Warm

• Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside.
• Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid travel if you can.
• If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.
  • Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.

Plan to Stay Connected

• Sign up for free emergency alerts from CT Alert.
• Plan to monitor local weather and news.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio to use during a power outage.
• Understand the alerts you may receive:
  • A WATCH means Be Prepared!
  • A WARNING means Take Action!
• Create a support team to help everyone stay safe in a disaster. Plan how you can help each other.

Gather Emergency Supplies

• Gather food, water, and medicine before a winter storm. Stores might be closed, and it may be unsafe to travel.
• Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.
  • Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies you can carry with you if you need to go somewhere else to stay warm. Include critical backup batteries and chargers for your devices
  • Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
• Ensure you have enough warm clothing, such as hats, mittens, and blankets, for everyone in your household.
• You may lose access to drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day.
• Consider having emergency supplies in your vehicle, such as a blanket, warm clothing, a first aid kit, and boots.
• Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products to keep your walkways safe.
• Stock up on winter storm preparedness kits, supplies, and other first aid supplies.

Bridgeport Warming Centers

• Black Rock Senior Center - 2676 Fairfield Ave, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• East Side Senior Center - 268 Putnam St, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Eisenhower Senior Center 307 Golden Hill St, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

GBT Station - 710 Water St, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Bridgeport Library Branches

• Main Branch - 925 Broad Street, Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m
• Black Rock Branch - 2705 Fairfield Ave, Monday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday noon to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  
• Newfield Branch - 755 Central Ave, Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
• Beardsley Branch - 2536 East Main St, Monday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

South End Community Center (Overnight Stay/Case Worker Support) - 650 Park Ave, open 24/7, limited overnight capacity