The United Way sent in the following information about resources during the impending storm.
With Winter Storm Hercules heading into Connecticut, bringing frigid temperatures with it, the United Way 2 – 1‑1 info line and website offer up-to-date information on preparing for the storm.
Resources can be found by dialing 2 – 1‑1 toll-free or visiting 211ct.org. 2 – 1‑1 provides 24-hour information, resources and referrals for those in need, including a listing of overnight shelters, warming centers and other storm-related resources.
Forecasts call for temperatures to sink to 13 degrees Thursday night and 7 degrees below zero Friday night in Greater New Haven, according to the National Weather Service. Those are actual temperatures and do not take into account wind chill factors; winds are forecast to gust up to 40 miles per hour during the storm.
The website offers tips, via the state Department of Public Health, on staying safe during the storm: dress in layers, cover your skin if you need to be outside, avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages which cause your body to lose heat more quickly, make sure infants stay warm, and check in on elderly neighbors and family members.
More cold weather resources are available here.
As temperatures drop this winter, vulnerable people will increasingly depend on local shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens to survive. In order to meet this need, these organizations need help. Neighbor-to-Neighbor LifeLine, a partnership of United Way of Greater New Haven with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven, was created to meet this type of emergency need. Contributions will help make sure that people have the food they need to stay healthy, and a warm place to sleep.
