HARTFORD — Governor Ned Lamont announced December 15 that the State Emergency Operations Center, which is already activated in a virtual capacity for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, will remain activated to monitor and respond to conditions resulting from the significant winter storm that is forecast to impact Connecticut beginning Wednesday night and continuing into Thursday.

In addition, the governor is urging people in Connecticut to avoid all unnecessary travel during the storm, as significant amounts of snowfall are anticipated to cause slick conditions on the roads. The current forecast is calling for parts of Connecticut to receive accumulations of more than a foot of snow and wind gusts of up to 45 miles per hour along the coast.

“As we brace for severe winter weather, I encourage everyone to stay informed and stay safe,” Governor Lamont said. “We are continuously monitoring the storm’s intensity and assessing the state’s operations. I urge all residents to avoid unnecessary travel during peak conditions.”

Crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation on Tuesday began pre-treating road surfaces, such as bridges, and the hills and valleys in higher elevations.

“With heavy and steady snowfall expected starting on Wednesday evening, the Department of Transportation is activated and prepared to clear and treat our roadways,” Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “Driving conditions will be treacherous at best and downright dangerous at worst. The best thing the public can do is sit this one out and let our crews do their jobs.”

Additional steps the Department of Transportation has taken to ensure readiness include:

• 1,600 workers within the Highway Operations team have been activated, including more than 1,300 operators and supervisors across the state.

• Roughly 200 contractors are on standby and ready to supplement and augment the state plowing fleet, as has been done in previous storms and winter seasons.

• 634 state plow trucks, 18 industrial loader-mounted snow blowers, and over 100 front-end loaders are ready for deployment.

• Materials, equipment, and spare parts have been stocked at roughly 50 satellite Department of Transportation facilities across the state.

• 30 automated Roadway Weather Information Systems remotely located across the state will continue to provide and stream real-time roadway and atmospheric data to Department of Transportation crews to assist in best reacting to changing weather and road conditions.

• 125 trucks are outfitted with technology — such as road and air temperature sensors, vehicle location, camera windshield imaging — that report real-time road conditions into a newly implemented Maintenance Decision Support System, which helps better inform operating decisions and the deployment of Department of Transportation resources.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is responsible for keeping 11,000 lane miles of state roadways clear and safe. All personnel will work throughout the event until after the storm ends and roads are considered safe for the motoring public.

While it is encouraged to avoid driving if at all possible, motorists are encouraged to check www.cttravelsmart.org for the latest road updates and alerts before traveling.

Insurance Claims

Additionally, Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais is reminding policyholders to review their homeowner’s insurance and understand their coverage as the state heads into the winter storm season.

“Having the right protection in place before catastrophe strikes is essential and provides peace of mind during what can be a very stressful time,” Commissioner Mais said. “Policyholders should discuss with an agent or insurance company if their current coverage is appropriate and adequate.”

A severe winter in Connecticut brings a variety of risks — roof collapses, ice dams and auto accidents. Preparing for the worst of winter and knowing what your policies cover before you make a claim will help you recover faster from a disaster.

According to a release from the commissioner, policies generally cover roof collapses; snow removal; ice dams; frozen pipes; storm power outages. Check your policy to see if it covers spoiled food. Most policies will not pay for shelter when you lose power for extended periods of time unless there is damage to the home that causes it to be uninhabitable.

Renters — Landlord’s insurance will pay for winter damage to a building. It will not pay for damage to personal contents.

Your insurer can only cover what it knows you lost, which is why it is important to keep accurate records for filing claims in the future.

The Department’s “Be Prepared” page at https://portal.ct.gov/CID/Natural-Catastrophe-Information/Be-Prepared offers consumers numerous resources that address the risks of the season. You can also download the CTPrepares Mobile App to receive real-time emergency notifications and public safety messages.

Preparation to safeguard property includes:

• Make an inventory of belongings

• Keep your policy and insurance contact information in a safe place

• Review your policy with your agent or company to determine what is covered – Coverage FAQs

• Understand the claims process – Tips for Making a Storm Claim

• Determine whether you are at risk for floods and would need special flood insurance – most homeowners policies do NOT cover flooding

These are general guidelines and policies can differ. To be certain what is covered, the CID recommends that property owners discuss their policies with their carriers or agents or contact the CID by using our online question/complaint system or call 800-203-3447 or 860-297-3900.

Red Cross Winter Safety

Stay indoors and wear warm clothes. Layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing will keep you warmer than a bulky sweater. If you feel too warm, remove layers to avoid sweating; if you feel chilled, add layers. Check on relatives, neighbors and friends, particularly if they are elderly or if they live alone.

The storm will bring dangerous travel conditions and the Red Cross urges everyone to stay off the road if possible during severe weather. If you must drive in winter weather, follow these tips:

*In your vehicle keep a windshield scraper small broom, small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels, a set of tire chains or traction mats, matches in a waterproof container and a brightly colored (preferably red) cloth to tie to the antenna. Also carry an emergency supply kit, including warm clothing.

*Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full so you can leave right away in an emergency and to keep the fuel line from freezing.

*Make sure everyone has their seat belts on and give your full attention to the road.

*Don’t follow other vehicles too closely. Sudden stops are difficult on snowy roadways.

*Don’t use cruise control when driving in winter weather.

*Don’t pass snow plows.

*Ramps, bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways.

*If you become stranded, stay in the vehicle and wait for help. Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You can quickly become disoriented and confused in blowing snow.

*Display a trouble sign to indicate you need help. Hang a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) on the radio antenna and raise the hood after snow stops falling.

*Run the engine occasionally to keep warm. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and slightly open a downwind window for ventilation.

*Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so that you can be seen.

If you must go outside:

*Wear layered clothing, mittens or gloves, and a hat. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.

*Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking.

*Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

*Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.

*Stretch before you go out. If you go out to shovel snow, do a few stretching exercises to warm up your body.

*Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a vehicle, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.

*Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

*If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible.

Winter safety information can be found at https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html.