Meriden Health Talk

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.

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.

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 StormDuring 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.  

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 WaterMosquitoes 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 BitesWhen 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 HomeTo 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.
 

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.

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.

National Prevention Week with Rushford/MHYC

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we have special guest, Victoria George from Rushford in Meriden in honor of National Prevention Week.
Hi everyone, I am Victoria George, Prevention Professional and Licensed Professional Counselor for Rushford, Meriden; and co-leader of the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition. 
What is National Prevention Week?May 10 through 16 is National Prevention Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, substance misuse prevention, and the importance of building healthier, safer communities. 
Why Prevention MattersPrevention is about creating environments where people can thrive physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. It means helping individuals develop healthy coping skills, strong support systems, and access to resources before a crisis happens.
Prevention can look like:
Teaching young people about healthy decision-making
Supporting mental wellness in schools and workplaces
Encouraging open conversations about substance misuse
Promoting stress management and self-care
Building stronger family and community connections
The goal is not perfection. The goal is support, education, and early action.
Here in Meriden, the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition is working hard to achieve those same goals – youth and community education and empowerment, through supportive early intervention. 
The MHYC is a community coalition created to work collaboratively to reduce and prevent alcohol, other substance use and their related problems through raising awareness while promoting healthy lifestyles. 
To give you a sense of what this mission looks like in action, I’d like to share some examples of our initiatives. 
For prom season this year, the MHYC partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), to spotlight prom safety, and educate Maloney High School juniors and seniors on the issue of underage alcohol use and misuse.
The MHYC also conducted a series of four wellness workshops, held after school at Maloney High, focused on student wellness and support, self-care and mind-body health.
In April, the MHYC participated in Platt High School’s Learner Engagement & Attendance Team event, in effort to better engage students and families who struggle with consistent attendance.
Also in April, alongside Meriden Department of Health and Human Services the MHYC participated in the Statewide Save a Life Naloxone Training Day, as well as National DEA Drug Takeback Day, in partnership with the Meriden Police Department.
Earlier this month we attended the Daffodil festival in Hubbard Park, and though it was cold and a bit rainy, we had a really great time meeting and speaking with numerous Meriden families and community members, on the topics of substance use prevention and mental health.
We are looking forward to tabling at the Meriden Pride health fair this Saturday May 16 and Maloney High School’s Mental Health Day on May 22.
There is a lot happening right now in the field of prevention, and the Meriden Healthy Youth Coalition is excited to be a part of growing and advancing prevention efforts within the Meriden community. 
Remember, prevention works when we do it together. Together, we are creating a stronger Meriden– empowering youth, engaging adults, and building a healthy, safe, drug-free community. 
Let’s keep the momentum going through May 16, through the entirety of NPW 2026, and all year long. 
Thank you for listening, and for more information, visit samhsa.gov/prevention-week. 
 

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. 
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year’s theme is See the Person. Support the Journey. The theme highlights the importance of
Noticing early signs of mental health concerns
Strengthening the support around us, and
Responding with care and compassions during challenging moments.
Mental Health Awareness Month is about more than just conversation—it is about action. It is about recognizing that mental health is just as important as physical health.
One resource that is available to anyone, anywhere in the United States, 24 hours day 7 days per week, is the free, confidential 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
By simply calling or texting 988, or chatting via their website at www.988lifeline.org, a person can be connected to trained counselors who are there to listen, support, and help through difficult moments.
988 is for anyone experiencing emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, substance use concerns, grief, or even just feeling overwhelmed and needing someone to talk to.
When someone calls 988, they will first hear a message that gives a service selection options including Veterans (Press 1), Spanish-language (Press 2), or their local 988 Lifeline contact center.
A counselor will say hello and introduce themselves, and ask if you are safe. The counselor will listen, provide personalized support and judgement free care, and share any resources that may be helpful. And most importantly, this service is confidential. Your privacy is respected.
We encourage all Meriden residents to share the 988 number with friends and family. Encourage friends and family to keep the number handy, pass it along, and remind others that help is always within reach. At our resource table at 165 Miller Street we have 988 information available in English and Spanish. If you are from a Meriden business and organization, we can provide these resources for you to display or distribute at no cost. Call (203) 630-4288 for more information.

Tick Prevention

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, we are talking about tick prevention!
Ticks are tiny arthropods that feed on blood, and they can carry diseases that affect humans and animals. Ticks are found worldwide in humid, wooded, or brushy areas, typically clinging to tall grass, shrubs, and leaf litter while waiting for a host. They are common in residential yards, especially near woods, and are active during spring, summer, and fall.
In the U.S., the most common tick-borne illness is Lyme disease.  Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and some develop a rash that may be bull’s-eye shaped. Other tickborne illnesses include anaplasmosis, Powassan virus, and babesiosis.
The best way to stay safe from tickborne illness is following prevention steps. When you’re outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants, and tuck your pants into your socks to keep ticks from reaching your skin. You can also use insect repellents with DEET on your skin or permethrin on your clothes. After spending time outside, check your entire body for ticks—especially your scalp, behind your ears, under your arms, and behind your knees. Showering soon after coming inside can help wash off ticks before they attach.
If you do find a tick on your body, remove it as soon as possible. Do not wait to go to a healthcare provider to remove the tick. Use fine-tipped tweezers, grab the tick close to your skin, and slowly pull it straight out. Do not use petroleum jelly, heat, nail polish, or other substances to try and make the tick detach from the skin.
After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or hand sanitizer.  The longer a tick stays attached to your body, the higher the chance it can potentially spread disease.
After a tick bite, if you develop a rash or fever within several weeks of removing a tick, see your doctor. Tell the doctor about your recent tick bite, when the bite occurred, and where you most likely acquired the tick. The good news is that most tick-borne diseases can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught early.
Overall, remember: protect yourself when outdoors, check for ticks after coming inside, remove them quickly, and get medical advice if you start to notice symptoms.
People who have removed a tick sometimes wonder if they should have it tested to see if it is infected. You can bring the tick to your local health department for testing through the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Bring the tick in in a crush proof container (or sealed plastic bag) to our office at 165 Miller Street. Do not place the tick on tape, do not pack the tick in any solution, and do not package the tick with anything else, such as paper towels, cotton, plant pieces, bandages, or other materials. Staff will send it out to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to be identified and tested for common tick-borne illnesses as a public service free of charge. Please note only ticks that are found on humans will be tested.
For more information on tick borne illness, please visit www.meridenhealth.com or call (203) 630-4226. Information on tick borne illnesses - and other summer safety topics - will be on our info table at 165 Miller Street throughout the summer. 

Renters' Rebate Program

In this episode of Meriden Health Talk, Natalie Gill, Community Services Supervisor, for the Meriden Department of Health and Human Services is here to talk about the Renters' Rebate Program. 
The Renters’ Rebate Program, which runs from April 1 to September 30 each year, is a state program for Connecticut renters who are elderly or totally disabled, and whose incomes do not exceed certain limits. Persons renting an apartment or room, or living in cooperative housing or a mobile home may be eligible for this program.
Renters’ rebate can be up to $900 for married couples and up to $700 for single persons. The renters’ rebate amount is based on a graduated income scale and amount of rent and utility payments made in the calendar year prior to the year in which the renter applies.
The income guidelines for 2025 are:
For single individuals, their income must not exceed $46,300 or
For married couples, their income must not exceed $56,500.
Please note that if you are legally married you most apply together and persons legally separated or divorced must apply individually.
Please Call 203-237-0066 or 203-630-4708 to schedule an appointment.