Siding replacement and lead-free/lead-safe certification

[Eugene Lubman]

I am planning to install new siding on my 3-family in Willimantic, CT.  The property has never been inspected or certified for lead.  Is this
(before or during siding replacement) a good time to get it lead certified?

Also, do I need to do a full lead abatement or is there a lead-safe certification in CT (certifying that any old lead paint is safely covered and not exposed)?  Or should I not bother with it at all?

There used to be a state program offering free lead abatement but they ran out of funds.