Meriden Health Talk

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Your trusted source for health tips and timely updates from the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department. Meriden Health Talk provides expert insights on a range of topics, including disease prevention, seasonal health and local updates and alerts. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and connected.

  1. 2d ago

    Flash Flood Safety

    Hello Meriden! Welcome back to another episode of Meriden Health Talk, your local department of health and human services’ bi-weekly podcast that provides our residents insight on a range of topics, including prevention, seasonal health information, and local updates and alerts. Meriden has been hit with quite a bite of rain recently and today we want to talk about flash floods, which can affect our community during a period of heavy rainfall. While emergency alerts and evacuation instructions during severe flooding are typically issued by the Fire or Police Department, our Department plays an important role in supporting public health emergency preparedness. This is done through planning, training, exercising, response, and recovery. We also provide community education and resources to help residents prepare for emergencies before they happen, and recover from emergencies after they occur. A flash flood is rapid flooding that occurs within minutes or a few hours often time after a period of heavy rainfall. Unlike flooding that develops over several days, flash floods happen fast. Roads that were dry just moments before can become submerged, storm drains can overflow, and small streams can rise dramatically in a short period of time. That's why it's important to pay attention to weather forecasts and emergency alerts, especially during periods of heavy rain. Floodwater may look harmless, but it can be incredibly powerful. Just six inches of moving water can knock an adult off their feet, and about a foot of moving water can carry away many vehicles. Floodwater may also hide washed-out roads, debris, open manholes, sharp objects, or downed power lines. Never assume it's safe simply because the water appears shallow. One of the most important flood safety messages is: Turn Around, Don't Drown. If you encounter a flooded roadway: Never drive through it. Turn around and find another route. Follow road closure signs. Do not walk through floodwater. In order to raise more awareness and prepare Meriden residents age 50 and over to prepare for and respond to emergency disasters or natural hazards that can occur in Meriden, our Department will be hosting no cost trainings at the Meriden Senior Center. This training - called Meriden Preparedness and Response Education Program for Seniors (or Meriden PREPS for short) - will be held August 12, September 9, October 14, and November 4 from 10:00 – 11:00am. Staff will talk about different disasters or emergencies that could or have impacted Meriden in the past. Those that attend will learn how to: Build an emergency preparedness kit. Create an emergency plan. Stay informed before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. As an added bonus, everyone that signs up and attends will receive a free emergency go bag filled with basic preparedness supplies. To sign up, please call the Meriden Senior Center at (203) 237-0066, or stop by the Senior Center's Main Office to register in person. Class is limited to 15 people per session. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to AARP for their generous support and for making this important program possible. Together, we are helping build a safer, stronger, and more prepared Meriden.

  2. Jul 15

    Heat-Related Illness Prevention

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about how to prevent heat-related illnesses this summer.  While many people enjoy spending time outside during warm weather, extreme heat can quickly become dangerous if we are not prepared. Knowing how to stay cool, stay hydrated, and recognize the warning signs of heat-related illnesses can make all the difference. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating. Common symptoms include: Dizziness Heavy sweating Nausea Weakness If someone is experiencing these symptoms: Move them to a cool place. Loosen tight clothing. Offer cool water to sip slowly. Seek medical help if symptoms do not improve. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s cooling system fails, causing the body’s core temperature to rapidly spike above 104 degrees F. Signs of heat stroke include: Confusion or unusual behavior Dizziness Or if the person loses consciousness If you suspect a person is experiencing heat stroke: Call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency responders: Move the person into the shade or indoors. Remove excess clothing. Cool them with cold water or ice. Take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke: Drink plenty of water. Do not wait until you are thirsty. Drink water throughout the day, especially if you are spending time outdoors. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Limit outdoor activities. Try to schedule exercise or yard work during the cooler morning or evening hours. Take frequent breaks. If you are working outside, rest in the shade or in an air-conditioned space. Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can become deadly within minutes. In Meriden, if Governor Ned Lamont activates Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol the Meriden Public Library and Meriden Senior Center will be designated as cooling centers for the public. If and when this happens we will post information on our website, www.meridenhealth.com.

  3. Jul 2

    4th of July Safety Tips

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about 4th of July celebrations! The Fourth of July is a time for backyard barbecues, fireworks, parades, and spending time with family and friends. While it is one of the most anticipated holidays of the summer, especially this year because we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, it also comes with increased risks of injuries, foodborne illness, and impaired driving. As you plan for your holiday weekend we would like to remind residents of some simple steps you can take to ensure your holiday is memorable for all the right reasons. Nothing says Fourth of July quite like fireworks, but they can also be extremely dangerous. Every year, people are treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. Burns to the hands, face, and eyes are among the most common injuries, and children are especially at risk. Here are a few important reminders: The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by attending a professional public display. Meriden's firework show is July 2 at Hubbard Park with festivities starting at 4:00pm. Never allow young children to handle or light fireworks. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby. Never relight fireworks that fail to ignite. Stay a safe distance away after lighting fireworks. Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water before throwing them away. Even sparklers can reach temperatures of nearly 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt metal and cause serious burns. Consider safer alternatives like glow sticks or LED light wands for young children. Summer cookouts are a holiday tradition, but warm temperatures create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. Follow these simple food safety tips: Wash your hands before preparing or eating food. Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods. Cook hamburgers to 160 degrees Fahrenheit and poultry to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a food thermometer to check the temperature. Refrigerate perishable foods within two hours or within one hour if temperatures are above 90 degrees. If food has been sitting out too long, it is safest to throw it away. When in doubt, throw it out. If your holiday plans include alcohol, make safety your priority. Never drink and drive. Arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, call a taxi, or ask a friend for a ride.  Alcohol can also contribute to dehydration and increase your risk of heat-related illness, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you are hosting a gathering, offer non-alcoholic beverages and encourage guests to make safe transportation plans before the celebration begins. From all of us at the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department, we wish you and your family a happy, healthy, and safe Fourth of July.

  4. Jun 18

    Barbershop, Nail/Hair Salon License Reminder

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we would like to remind barbershop, hairdressing and cosmetology shop owners and massage establishments owners about their license renewal that is due to our Environmental Health Office on or before June 30, 2026. Chapter 70-3 of the Meriden City Code requires all barbershop, hair salon, and nail salon owners to complete an annual license application and fee each year on or before June 30. On June 1, 2026 the City of Meriden transitioned to a new software system called OpenGov. This portal requires business owners to create an account in order to renew your license. To start this process please visit OpenGov’s website at meridenct.portal.opengov.com. Select “Health Department” and from there it will list all available service options, which includes Barbershop, Hairdressing & Cosmetology Shop License. After completing the application and paying the application fee your license will then be renewed for one year through June 30, 2027. Owners can print their license directly from the OpenGov portal. If business owners need access to a computer or needs assistance, you can visit our office at 165 Miller Street Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 4:30pm. As a reminder, your license expires June 30, and failure to complete this process will result in a late fee and possible closure of your business. If business owners have any questions about OpenGov or the license renewal process, please contact our Environmental Health office at (203) 630-4226.

  5. Jun 11

    Hurricane Season Preparedness

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about hurricane preparedness in honor of the start of hurricane season! Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with activity typically peak between August and October. While Connecticut may not experience hurricanes as often as states down south, our communities - including Meriden - can still face significant impact from tropical storms and hurricanes including flooding, power outages, downed trees, and dangerous road conditions. Even if a storm makes landfall hundreds of miles away, Connecticut can still experience heavy rainfall, strong winds, coastal flooding, and extended power outages. Here are some safety tips on how to stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane occurs. Tip # 1 Prepare your Home before the Storm.  Luckily, hurricane advisories are often made public several days before potential landfall, giving time to prepare. Before a storm arrives: Secure outdoor furniture, grills, and decorations, Trim dead or damaged tree branches, Clear gutters and storm drains for proper water flow, Move valuable items to higher levels of your home if flooding is expected, Charge electronic devices in the event the storm causes power outages, and If you have a generator make sure you test it and ensure it has enough fuel. Tip # 2 Stay Informed.  Meriden participates in CT ALERT is a statewide system that enables state and local 911 emergency communication centers to provide essential information quickly in a variety of emergency situations. By signing up you will be informed via text, phone call and/or email during emergencies in the Meriden area including public health threats, dangerous weather, fires and public safety incidents. To register text your zip code to 888-777 OR sign up at www.ctalert.gov. Our Department will also post safety tips and updates on our Facebook page and website, especially if we anticipate to open an emergency shelter or charging station. Tip # 3 Safety During and After the Storm During the storm, stay indoors and away from windows, avoid unnecessary travel, and, if you need to venture outdoors, never walk or drive through floodwaters. After the storm ends, watch for downed power lines - report them to your electrical company. If you lost power and have a generator, use it outdoors only away from windows and doors. Check in on neighbors, especially older adults and those who may need assistance. And - be careful during cleanup. Wear protective clothing and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris. Hurricane season is a reminder that preparedness starts long before a storm appears in the forecast. For more information on how you can be prepared for a hurricane or tropical storm please visit www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

  6. Jun 5

    Mosquito Prevention

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about how you can protect yourself, your family, and your community this summer from illnesses transmitted by mosquitoes.  Tip #1 Dump Standing Water Mosquitoes only need a small amount of water to lay their eggs. One of the most effective ways to reduce mosquitoes around your home is to eliminate standing water. Take a few minutes each week to: Empty flowerpot saucers Refresh the water in bird baths Drain kiddie pools when not in use Dump standing water from buckets, tarps, and outdoor toys, and Check your home's gutters to make sure they are draining properly Tip #2 Protect Yourself from Bites When spending time outdoors take steps to prevent mosquito bites, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and closed-toe shoes when possible. Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting. And, don’t forget to use insect repellent. Look for EPA-registered repellents containing ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Always follow label directions, especially when applying insect repellent to children. Tip #3 Mosquito-Proof Your Home To keep mosquitoes outside of your home, you can: Install or repair and use window and door screens. Close doors, including garage doors. Do not leave doors propped open, and Use air conditioning when possible The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is the agency responsible for trapping, identifying, and testing mosquitoes for West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, and Jamestown Canyon. Testing and trapping starts June 1 through the end of October. Meriden’s trapping and testing location is at Falcon Park. Reports and updates are provided weekly on their website: www.portal.ct.gov/caes. If mosquitoes trapped and tested in Meriden test positive for any illness we will notify residents. To learn more about mosquito prevention visit our website: www.meridenhealth.com.

  7. May 29

    Meriden Early Start: Transitioning from Preschool to Kindergarten

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we will hear from Rhonda Knight, Early Childhood Coordinator for Meriden Early Start on how to help your child transition smoothly from preschool to kindergarten. Good morning families, this is Rhonda Knight, Early Childhood Coordinator with the Early Start Program in Meriden, and today I want to share 3 quick tips to help your child transition smoothly from preschool to kindergarten. Tip number one: Start building routines now. Kindergarten schedules can be a big adjustment, so practicing bedtime routines, morning routines, and independent tasks like putting on coats or cleaning up can help children feel more confident and prepared. Tip number two: Talk positively about kindergarten. Children often take emotional cues from adults. Reading books about kindergarten, talking about making new friends, and discussing exciting classroom activities can help ease anxiety and build excitement. And tip number three: Encourage independence. Simple things like letting your child practice opening snacks, using the bathroom independently, or following simple directions can make a big difference in helping them feel successful at school. And families, this is also an important reminder to register your child for kindergarten as soon as possible. To make an appointment online, please visit the Meriden Public Schools Registration webpage at www.meridenk12.org. Please remember, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1st to enroll in kindergarten. The Meriden school district will not be offering waivers for children who do not meet the age requirement. If your child does not meet the eligibility criteria, it’s important to maintain enrollment in their current preschool program. And if you are looking for a preschool program, families can visit the Meriden Early Start webpage at www.meridenhealth.com for a list of state-funded childcare programs and contact information. Thank you for listening, and we wish all of our future kindergarteners a successful transition into school.

  8. May 21

    Rodent Prevention

    In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about rodent prevention.  The Department of Health and Human Service's Environmental Health office is responsible for investigating complaints of rodent activity in our city. Often, calls will come in to our office for reports of mice indoors - in this case we will partner with the Housing Department's Code Enforcement staff to correct this indoor housing condition.  Our team may conduct specific complaint inspections or sweeps to check properties for conditions that attract rodents, such as improperly stored garbage, standing water, outdoor food sources, or improperly maintained chicken coops. During an inspection, we look for common warning signs such as droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, nesting materials, damaged food, or openings. If staff find rodent activity on a property, we will send a notice to the owner or tenant with clear steps to solve the problem. The responsible party may need to seal entry points, clean up clutter, secure food and trash, or hire a professional pest control service. Our staff will perform follow-up inspections to ensure the property is safe, clean, and fully compliant. Mice and rats are more than just a public health nuisance. They can contaminate food, damage property, trigger allergies, and are known to spread disease. The most effective rodent control is prevention. Here are some key steps you can take to prevent rodents from finding their way into your home or property. Inspect your home or building for gaps, cracks and holes around utility lines, pipes, doors, windows, and the foundation. Seal openings using materials rodents can’t chew through, such as steel wool, metal mesh, or caulk designed for pest control. Rodents are attracted to easy meals. Store dry foods in sealed containers, avoid leaving pet food out overnight, and keep garbage tightly covered. Outdoor garbage areas should also be kept clean and maintained regularly. Rodents like dark, quiet areas where they can nest - reducing clutter and hiding places can help prevent rodents from nesting. Clear out clutter in attics, basements, and garages. Outside, it is recommended keep debris and woodpiles away from the foundation. Even small amounts of water can attract rodents, so check your property for leaky pipes, standing water or poor drainage around the property. Rodent prevention works best when the whole community participates. We recommend all Meriden residents help keep public spaces clean, reporting bulky waste such as mattresses or furniture by calling our office, and keep outdoor trash storage areas clean. If you have questions about rodent prevention or concerns about rodents, call our Environmental Health Office at (203) 630-4226.

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About

Your trusted source for health tips and timely updates from the City of Meriden Health and Human Services Department. Meriden Health Talk provides expert insights on a range of topics, including disease prevention, seasonal health and local updates and alerts. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or new to town, we’re here to keep you informed, empowered, and connected.

Information

  • Creator
    meridenhealthtalk
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Meriden Health Talk