Severe Cold Weather Protocol, $1 Meals, and More!

January 23, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you had a wonderful week. 

As I'm sure you've heard, a major snowstorm is expected to hit Connecticut over the weekend. It is also likely that temperatures will plumet to single digits.

Please double check and make sure you have the necessary emergency supplies before the storm begins. 

Please read below for information on warming centers in the district, the OLR Major Acts Report, and more!

Preparing for the Big Storm

A Severe Cold Weather Protocol will be in effect through Wednesday, January 28. This protocol ensures shelters are available. Please visit  211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find a shelter near you. 

The Westport warming centers are as follows: 

Click here to learn more. 

Information for warming centers in Norwalk can be found in the graphic below. 
 

Red Cross has shared a few basic tips on how to best prepare for a major winter snowstorm:

 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.

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 (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
    • 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 1-month supply of needed medications and medical supplies. Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.
  • Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up).
  • 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.

Plan to Stay Connected

  •  Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
  • 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.

Perfect Voting Record 

I am proud to share that I had a perfect voting record during the 2025 legislative session! Representing you in Hartford is a privilege that I don't take lightly and I wanted to make sure the voice of our community was heard on every bill called. 

Schools of Distinction in the 143rd District 

Great news!  Four schools in the Norwalk and Westport School Districts were honored as "Schools of Distinction" for outstanding student growth and high academic performance:

  • Jefferson Marine Science Elementary School (Norwalk School District)
  • King's Highway Elementary School (Westport School District)
  • Marvin Elementary School (Norwalk School District)
  • Saugatuck Elementary School (Westport School District)

Thank you to all of the school leaders, teachers, staff, and students who made this honor a reality. And a special shoutout to King's Highway and Saugatuck, which are both located in the 143rd district!

$1 Meals at First Congregational Church of Norwalk

The First Congregational Church of Norwalk will hold a Dollar Dinner event tonight from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. If you are looking for a tasty and affordable meal, I'd encourage you to check it out! 

 

Update to Metro-North 

Attention  Metro-North riders: there have been a few changes to the ticketing process:  

  • Round-trip tickets have been retired. They’ve been replaced by Day Passes, which are valid from the time of purchase until 4:00 a.m. the following day. On weekdays, Day Passes cost 10% less than two one-way peak tickets, and on weekends they’re priced the same as two one-way off-peak tickets.
  • Activate before boarding. Mobile tickets purchased through the TrainTime app must be activated before boarding the train. Tickets activated after boarding are subject to an $8 surcharge.
  • “Pay-as-you-go” perk. When using the TrainTime app, after 10 rides within 14 days, your 11th ride is free.

Major Issues Report is Now Available 

If you want to learn more about various topics that may be discussed during the upcoming legislative session, check out the 2026 Major Issues Report. This report provides brief summaries of issues that the General Assembly could potentially tackle in 2026. Click here to access the document. 

Upcoming Library Events

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, has announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, January 31. Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting February 1. Customers can also renew their coverage.

Visit Access Health CT's website for more information. 

Norwalk Recreation & Parks are looking for camp counselors for this summer. If you have a lot of energy and enjoy working with kids, this position is for you. Click here to apply for a position. 

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more. 

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.

Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.

Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.
 
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4.  For more information, please click here.
 

The League of Women Voters of Westport will hold their annual pre-session panel, Pie & Politics, on January 26 at Pizza Lyfe. I will be joined by State Senator Ceci Maher and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg. Free pizza will be provided. The event will begin at 7 PM.

Hope to see you there! 
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.


Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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