Think the weather’s rough in Fairfield County this week? In Cheyenne, Wyo., the temperature plummeted to 9 degrees below zero. In Chicago, 59,000 people were without power. In Oklahoma, health officials logged a record number of injuries from weather-related falls. The weather’s so harsh, even President Obama took time out Wednesday to discuss it with officials.

Connecticut was among 13 states to which Federal Emergency Management Agency support personnel were deployed Wednesday morning. That and other information about the treacherous winter storm that swept through 30 states was relayed to Obama via telephone Wednesday morning by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate.

Afterward, Fugate, along with National Weather Service Deputy Director Laura Furgione, briefed reporters on the weather situation via conference call.

“We’ve moved about 500 generators,” said Fugate. “Our regional offices have been in contact with each of the states. We’re still monitoring things. If governors have any additional resource needs, we’re there to support them.” FEMA also is prepared to deliver essential items such blankets, cots, water and food where needed.

“This has been a pretty significant winter, very snowy, [and] it’s not over yet,” said Furgione. ”We’re expecting more below-normal temperatures, at least through the next two weeks.”

Fugate emphasized the need to check on neighbors and to avoid overexertion while shoveling, advice also stressed by Stamford Director of Health and Social Services Anne Fountain.

“People can be at risk for heart attack” with heavy shoveling, said Fountain. Stamford residents also should be cognizant of issues such as falls by seniors who may be “more vulnerable to fractures and breaks” and indoor carbon monoxide dangers. “There are a lot of safety issues in the winter,” said Fountain.

For more winter safety tip information, visit the city's website.

What are your needs during these winter storm conditions? Are they being addressed?