July
2017
COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Extreme Heat Precautions and Local Cooling Centers

A Message from Richard Porth          
President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut  

The State Department of Public Health (DPH) warns that extreme heat can be dangerous,  especially for the elderly and young children.  As part of a detailed list of tips and precautions on their website, DPH recommends checking on adults who are at increased risk twice per day during extreme heat, and monitoring young children throughout hot weather for signs of heat-related illness. 
  
Additional safety tips and extreme heat related information can be found in 2-1-1's Extreme Heath Precautions and Safety Tips eLibrary paper and on the Department of Homeland Security's Extreme Heat page.
  
Many Connecticut cities and towns open cooling centers or shelters during heat waves and extreme hot weather. 2-1-1 maintains an up-to-date listing of active cooling centers, including location information, hours of operation, and other pertinent details. Click HERE for a list of cooling centers or dial 2-1-1 to speak with a contact specialist
 
 
Explore Manufacturing and other Middle-skills Jobs

A recent publication by the Connecticut Department of Labor's Office of Research titled,  Connecticut's Manufacturing and Other Middle-skills Jobs, was created to inform people seeking work or considering a career change of various employment opportunities.
 
The publication allows jobseekers to explore more than 30 jobs and potential careers including carpenters, dental hygienists, paralegals, legal assistants, and web developers. Click HERE to download this new report. Each job listing includes:
  • A job description
  • Current and projected job openings
  • Wage information; and,
  • Required education and training
2-1-1 Connecticut's database of programs and services includes employment resources such as career counseling, job finding assistance and pre-job guidance. Click HERE to get connected with employment resources.  


Tips on Staying Cool while Conserving Energy
 
 
Staying cool during the hot summer months often requires an increased reliance on fans and air conditioning. Energize CT offers a quick list of tips on how to conserve energy and keep energy bills down while staying cool this summer.

You can reduce your energy use and save money, starting with no-cost and low-cost suggestions such as:
  • On cool nights, try opening your windows rather than running your air conditioning unit.
  • Use ceiling or portable fans in place of room air conditioners.
  • When possible, locate your air conditioner in the shade. Direct sunlight on a window air-conditioning unit increases its workload.
  • Consider installing an appliance timer to minimize running your air conditioner when you are not home. 
 Visit EnergizeCT.com for a complete list of money and energy saving tips.

Crumbling Concrete Foundations

In July of 2015, Governor Malloy called on the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and Office of the Attorney General to conduct an investigation into crumbling concrete foundations. Upwards of 550 homeowners have reported deteriorating foundations to the DCP and the investigation is currently ongoing.

The DCP website contains information for Connecticut homeowners dealing with this problem. Visit About Concrete Foundations and Our Investigation for more information or download the brochure, "Concrete Foundations: Information and Quick Facts."


 

Links to additional resources and information can also be found in 2-1-1's eLibrary paper, "Resources for Connecticut Homeowners with Crumbling Concrete Foundations."