<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr"><br></div><br><br><div lang="EN-US" style="overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div><div><div style="border-right:none;border-bottom:none;border-left:none;border-top:1pt solid rgb(225,225,225);padding:3pt 0in 0in"><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">From: Sullivan, Kathleen <<a href="mailto:Kathleen.Sullivan@ct.gov" target="_blank">Kathleen.Sullivan@ct.gov</a>><br>Sent: Monday, July 12, 2021 1:59 PM<br><br>Subject: Connecticut State Officials Offer Tips for Older Populations and Individuals with Disabilities on Ways To Prepare for Hurricane Season and Summer Storms<u></u><u></u></span></b></p></div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:3pt;margin-left:0in;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Please share the following press release with our partners<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><img id="gmail-m_7483646557684796582m_-6375742477032672689Picture_x0020_2" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=2b7c6d9668&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1705105093189979621&th=17a9c00c584c4de5&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-T0sz4fXuCHmr5i23u7XT7AKIDHqfihJqzVZ0BjbEuX4IaPJEt5-VV2kT-G9cjNsWs-nmJ9VUz0zYM0-yLHfKqASbaxLf97ozU17YLt2wftwlcpfmDBFAL9v4&disp=emb&realattid=17a9bfe62604cff311" width="600" height="200" class="gmail-CToWUd gmail-a6T" tabindex="0" style="cursor: pointer; outline: 0px; width: 6.25in; height: 2.0833in;"></span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254)"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(68,68,68)">07/12/2021<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><h3 style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:3pt;margin-left:0in;background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit;font-size:1.9375rem"><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Connecticut State Officials Offer Tips for Older Populations and Individuals with Disabilities on Ways To Prepare for Hurricane Season and Summer Storms<u></u><u></u></span></h3><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit;margin:1rem"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">During the </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">summer months </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">and into the fall Connecticut is often impacted by severe weather including tornadoes, tropical storms and hurricanes with the potential to cause long-term power outages, the need for evacuation to a shelter and property damage</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">.  </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Older populations and individuals with disabilities may have different needs in times of severe weather. Now is the time to prepare yourself, family members and friends for these hazards by having a plan and ensuring you have an emergency kit in place to meet your specific needs.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit;margin:1rem"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">*See</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)">: </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fportal.ct.gov%2fOffice-of-the-Governor%2fNews%2fPress-Releases%2f2021%2f07-2021%2fGovernor-Lamont-and-Connecticut-Emergency-Management-Officials-Remind-Residents-To-Be-Prepared&c=E,1,aTrDZtHytMKNVneW2dBU4oV3I8UE6bx0axPdzWNW3D4-49_noBC7StW51gIKaXrM_UH3GOQnUVn9-wB8bHhDRFMR_VIqrUeIbxUsCY6IzSOhZD7Dif4axQ9F7A,,&typo=1" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(7,113,187)">Governor Lamont and Emergency Management Officials Remind Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Season</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(31,73,125)">.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit;margin:1rem"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">“Tropical Storm Elsa, last week, was a reminder as to why everyone needs to prepare for hurricane season by having an appropriate emergency kit for their needs and having a plan on where they are going to go should they need to evacuate” said Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James C. Rovella. “Public safety is equally important for all of our communities, especially those who are most vulnerable and historically underserved”.<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit;margin:1rem"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">“It’s important to plan ahead in the event of power outages, evacuations and other emergencies, especially as an older adult or a person with a disability,” Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said. “Use available resources and support networks, and make sure you have an emergency kit that meets your individual needs.”<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit;margin:1rem"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Preparedness Tips for Individuals With Disabilities and Older Populations:</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:24pt;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:rgb(10,10,10)">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">       </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Contact your local government’s emergency management office. Many local offices can add you voluntarily to a list of people with disabilities so they can be helped quickly in a sudden emergency. These lists are solely for the purpose of assistance in an emergency and will not be shared for any other reason. </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:24pt;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:rgb(10,10,10)">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">       </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Ensure you have a support network and keep a contact list in a watertight container in your </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.ready.gov%2fkit&c=E,1,cimpf3JBQW7nY94zHeQeuL5P_SuKF6HCBNrU9RBxuNmfwl4fgPYPNF270LqLWSY_PvLW6ebmZTNd1cOTHyahPQCf7tfcQK2ml70py2Jm0ldGilg7UcTUlQ,,&typo=1" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration-line:none">emergency kit</span></a>. When creating your emergency kit, consider the unique needs you may have, such as for a service animal, medical equipment and more. Click here for <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fportal.ct.gov%2fAgingandDisability%2fContent-Pages%2fTopics-A-Z%2fDisability-Specific-Tips&c=E,1,0Cu66DUSzNzMAp4xlFhRMUgePWN9IAPapTqdG5DKRoiY1V2g4t84TnoSXTcL26iLCyTyo76aOYs--hzFC32Xa2IZdP5ChwJcFsGkz_PgqgfvHiXQ&typo=1" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration-line:none">Disability-Specific Tips</span></a><b> </b>from the Department of Aging and Disability Services.<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:24pt;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:rgb(10,10,10)">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">       </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Inform your support network where you keep your emergency supplies. You may want to consider giving one member a key to your house or apartment.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:24pt;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:rgb(10,10,10)">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">       </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Be ready to explain to first responders that you need to evacuate and choose to go to a shelter with your family, service animal, caregiver, personal assistant and your assistive technology devices and supplies.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:24pt;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:rgb(10,10,10)">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">       </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Plan ahead for accessible transportation that you may need for evacuation or getting to a medical clinic. Work with local services, public transportation or paratransit to identify your local or private accessible transportation options.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:24pt;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:rgb(10,10,10)">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">       </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">If you use a communications device or other assistive technologies, plan how you will evacuate with the devices or how you will replace equipment if lost or destroyed. </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:24pt;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:rgb(10,10,10)">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">       </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Plan how you will communicate with others if your equipment is not working, including laminated cards with phrases and/or pictogram.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:6pt;margin-left:24pt;background:rgb(254,254,254)"><u></u><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Symbol;color:rgb(10,10,10)">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-stretch:normal;font-size:7pt;line-height:normal;font-family:"Times New Roman"">       </span></span><u></u><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black">Throughout a severe storm or hurricane have a plan to check on neighbors who may need assistance such as infants, children, older adults and people with disabilities.  If you have immediate needs including food and shelter, state resources are available: To find </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.211ct.org%2f&c=E,1,vHmpCicLI8Fz6HSoO3qp3Ac3GrlD4rAhpkJslynpGHTMJTMff7GsqLh5g42Qov8-5rY5nzlxcC-mHL2xOsfQxNbhSspkpN2rID9k4ijhnw,,&typo=1" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration-line:none">2-1-1</span></a> services available in your area or to search for resources, visit <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.211ct.org%2f&c=E,1,Wj6RayIQDsT9ttnpUomUV1iaF3eFveAcu9xSz97XPNhocxYJ37h9ROynXE3JkY-8yH33aa8yXZ1tGsltjyhPBC78ZCURXW60Nm0fnfSp0YTSljZ7GIcwjodv&typo=1" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(7,113,187)">https://www.211ct.org/</span></a> or dial 2-1-1.</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="margin:0in;background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Before, during and after disaster events, such as major storms, it is important to stay informed and have a plan. For tips, emergency kit planning, communications needs preparedness materials in different languages and more download </span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fportal.ct.gov%2fCTPrepares&c=E,1,CY3jT3oB6s2FJlDa5cfDhtcxVvCKgJhuEEYqIeBNli5g50k2RfIPTeNflszZRggVhK1wtxvKISeRZ9q2id7wU_RR6hkMOYf1ynxywLIkUPC9P72H6s_V7I39TDRL&typo=1" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(7,113,187)">the CT Prepares</span></a> app and visit <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.ready.gov%2f&c=E,1,1pErJaYILsjEiEfT6TNze-zXF8A0ebeIwjsDNB8JlCp0P4pJCOYQYR7ra5DFB9-A7cWaOcquV-cxg5JS_-iJJ4nJRzT7A_R57b_VuWN9mnI,&typo=1" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(7,113,187)">Ready.gov</span></a>. <u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254)"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">For Immediate Release: July 12, 2021 <u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit;margin:1rem"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Contact: Eric Scoville,<br>Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection<br><a href="mailto:Eric.Scoville@ct.gov" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(7,113,187)">Eric.Scoville@ct.gov </span><span style="color:rgb(7,113,187);text-decoration-line:none"><br></span></a>860-309-8760 (cell)<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p style="background:rgb(254,254,254);box-sizing:inherit;margin:1rem"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)">Contact: Kathleen Sullivan,<br>Department of Aging and Disability Services<br><a href="mailto:Kathleen.Sullivan@ct.gov" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(7,113,187)">Kathleen.Sullivan@ct.gov</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:black"><br>(860) 874-5295 (cell)</span></b><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(10,10,10)"><u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:1.2pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:1.2pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Kathleen Sullivan<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Director of Planning, Communications and Operational Readiness  l  Aging and Disability Services<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif">Office of the Commissioner  | 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford CT 06105  | 860.424.5973<u></u><u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;letter-spacing:1pt">Get the latest updates on COVID-19 at <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2f%2f%2fct.gov%2fcoronavirus.%26nbsp%3b&c=E,1,FxpCa_U7O9cXo9r0WkRxPkHmcPiElhURz5Y54ZyBWpLXaf1pw071FK_gL7xxCpbMMdkd7HrFkk7gLmR8YKugTNTB-aT1FX3VnEqjK_kyEm6NRyS6jG4Nxg,,&typo=1&ancr_add=1" target="_blank">//ct.gov/coronavirus. </a> Find a vaccination site near you at <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2f%2f%2fct.gov%2fcovidvaccine.&c=E,1,sdoMw2RrayILVcgIT67hKGLAtqq2XnIysn4mUSlfGstlWGFTB6BHDPWKFIY6qypw_Fdwm0n5qA99EldvWIjWPwLYDjea36Ga2exxERLyhGd0fbUa8E_tD0c7hA,,&typo=1&ancr_add=1" target="_blank">//ct.gov/covidvaccine</a>.<span style="color:black;background-image:initial;background-position:initial;background-size:initial;background-repeat:initial;background-origin:initial;background-clip:initial"> Individuals who have general questions that are not answered on the website can also call 2-1-1 for assistance, or text “CTCOVID” to 898211. The hotline is available 24 hours a day and has multilingual assistance.</span><u></u><u></u></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif"><u></u> <u></u></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:16pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(23,54,93)"><img id="gmail-m_7483646557684796582m_-6375742477032672689Picture_x0020_1" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=2b7c6d9668&attid=0.2&permmsgid=msg-f:1705105093189979621&th=17a9c00c584c4de5&view=fimg&sz=s0-l75-ft&attbid=ANGjdJ-ZiofQALE0dQVUll1HE5q_1K6MOcRL7ia1Ion8twBf5oy00ZU0gCEhPvpNAqYiPimRItxrMF0cHFib4_D57meBUp7XYtIQVre_RIR1Fm-kHuXJF7UJuMs3NJI&disp=emb&realattid=17a9bfe62616917eb2" alt="Aging and Disability Logo" width="124" height="83" border="0" class="gmail-CToWUd" style="width: 1.2916in; height: 0.8611in;"></span></b></p></div></div></div>