National Preparedness Month Comes to a Close

The  OPHEP team observed National Preparedness Month throughout the month of September “pledging to prepare” for disasters and emergencies alike.  Although the national observance will come to a close next week, preparedness is an ongoing task.  OPHEP will remain vigilant, through training, exercising response staff here at the health department and through coordination and collaboration with our response partners and community organizations.   The team encourages you to join us and follow the pledge throughout the year.

• Learn your risks and responses
• Make a family communication plan
• Build and emergency supply kit
• Get involved in preparedness in your community

These four steps are easy when you tackle them one at a time.  Go to www.ready.gov to learn how you can do your part in preparedness.

Detroit Health Department Reports Ninth Case of West Nile Virus, Encourages Detroiters to “Fight the Bite”

The City of Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion (DHWP) is reporting a ninth confirmed case of West Nile Virus (WNV). All cases are adults who have received medical treatment. The Michigan Department of Community Health has reported 80 cases and 4 deaths; 62 of the 80 cases were severe and required hospitalization. In response to these numbers, DHWP is surveying all WNV activities and urging residents to “Fight the Bite” to prevent contracting West Nile Virus.

As you head outdoors to enjoy the holiday weekend, there are precautions you should take to protect yourself and your family. The Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion urges you to follow the 4Ds of West Nile Virus prevention:

DUSK – Avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active: dusk and dawn.

DEET – Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

DRESS – Wear long sleeves and pants when possible outdoors.

DRAINAGE – Drain all standing water around your home.

The Michigan mosquito season peaks in late August and will decline as evening temperatures get below 50 degrees. West Nile Virus is an arborvirus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Most individuals infected with West Nile Virus experience no symptoms. A minority of patients develops symptoms that may include a fever, rash, headache, joint pain, muscle aches, GI symptoms, fatigue and weakness. About 1 in 150 people infected can develop severe symptoms such as paralysis. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention from your primary care provider or hospital immediately.

For more information on the West Nile Virus please visit www.michigan.gov/westnile.

Severe Weather Awareness Week

April 22 to 28 this year has been established as the first ever “National Severe Weather Awareness Week.” As the nation marks the first anniversary of one of the largest tornado outbreaks in U.S. history, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency are teaming up this week to save lives from severe weather.
The two agencies encourage the public to “know your risk, take action, and be a force of nature” by taking proactive preparedness measures and inspiring others to do the same.

Last April, tornadoes raked the central and southern United States, spawning more than 300 tornadoes and claiming hundreds of lives. That devastating, historic outbreak was only one of many weather-related tragedies in 2011, which now holds the record for the greatest number of multi-billion dollar weather disasters in the nation’s history.

The country has already experienced early and destructive tornado outbreaks in the Midwest and South this year over the last two months, including a significant number of tornadoes last weekend. May is the peak season for tornadoes, so it is important to take action now.

“The damaging tornadoes that struck this year, causing widespread devastation as well as loss of life, also spurred many amazing and heroic survival stories,” said NOAA Administrator Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D. “In every one of these stories, people heard the warning, understood a weather hazard was imminent and took immediate action. We can build a Weather-Ready Nation by empowering people with the information they need to take preparedness actions across the country.”

“One of the lessons we can take away from the recent tornado outbreaks is that severe weather can happen anytime, anywhere,” said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. “While we can’t control where or when it might hit, we can take steps in advance to prepare and that’s why we are asking people to pledge to prepare, and share with others so they will do the same.”

To “be a force of nature,” FEMA and NOAA encourage citizens to prepare for extreme weather by following these guidelines:

• Know your risk: The first step to becoming weather-ready is to understand the type of hazardous weather that can affect where you live and work, and how the weather could impact you and your family. Check the weather forecast regularly and sign up for alerts from your local emergency management officials. Severe weather comes in many forms and your shelter plan should include all types of local hazards.
• Take action:Pledge to develop an emergency plan based on your local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter. Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication. Post your plan where visitors can see it. Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather. Obtain a NOAA Weather Radio. Download FEMA’s mobile app so you can access important safety tips on what to do before and during severe weather. Understand the weather warning system and become a certified storm spotter through the National Weather Service.
• Be a force of nature: Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can prepare. Share the resources and alert systems you discovered with your social media network. Studies show individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting – and you can be one of those sources. When you go to shelter during a warning, send a text, tweet or post a status update so your friends and family know. You might just save their lives, too. For more information on how you can participate, visit www.ready.gov/severeweather

Get Back in the Habit

As you rush through your day you can forget your car keys, wallet or the big presentation you worked on all night for the morning’s meeting.   No matter how fast your day is going, you should stop and remember to do the small things.  A small, simple activity such as hand washing is a big deal in the world of public health. It can seem like a no-brainier, but it is easily forgotten.

Children are the biggest culprit of neglecting this simple step of prevention.  We affectionately liken our little loved ones to “walking petri dishes”.  Once they get sick at school, they bring it home to their siblings and parents that care for them.  But adults are just as bad as their young. Often times you might catch a person leaving the restroom without washing their hands, or those of us who do wash our hands don’t wash them thoroughly.

What is the right way to wash your hands?

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
• Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Soap and water is the most effective form of hand hygiene.  But if water is not available, and hands are not visibly dirty, alcohol-based hand sanitizer will suffice.  The solution should have at the very least 60% alcohol.  It will reduce the number of germs on your hands but may not eliminate all types of bacteria.

During H1N1, DHWP stressed this prevention step as it made the difference in limiting the spread of the flu strain when vaccine was not yet available.  This may be a simple message for some, or a friendly reminder to others to get back in the habit of good hygiene.  If we take responsibility and remember to practice good hand hygiene, we can create a healthier environment for our family, friends and coworkers.

New Year, New Plans

Happy New Year!!!

Emergency plans are key to you and your family’s preparedness measures.  As the saying goes, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”   If you are reading this blog we hope that we have impressed upon you the importance of planning and preparing yourselves in the event of  unfortunate circumstances.  It could mean the difference between life and death in case of an emergency, whether it be a natural disaster or a public health emergency such as a pandemic.

As you recount the events of 2011 and plan for the year ahead you should consider any changes you have made since then and incorporate them into your emergency plans.  Key changes that could impact your emergency plans can include moving, changing jobs, changing schools and changing phone numbers.

Moving to a new home will change your escape plan for fire, shelter-in-place provisions and alternate routes to key destinations.  Changing jobs and schools will alter how respond in times of emergency as each facility should have their own emergency plans and policies.  Ask your employer and your children’s principal for more information on their plans.

Take the time to review your plans with your extended family that are in your plans to see if they have made any changes or plan to make changes in their living or working situation.  This is important if an emergency calls for evacuation.  Emergencies may call for you to evacuate the area and family or friends from out of town would be a great place to go until officials have lifted the recommendation. Make sure you have their correct addresses and phone numbers.

If you don’t have a plan at all, the beginning of the year is a perfect time to create one.  FEMA has a great website in www.ready.gov which provides extensive resources and information on readiness like the essential family emergency plan template.  Don’t put it off, do it today!

Give the Gift of Preparedness this Christmas

Christmas is here!  Carolers harmonize in the malls, decorations adorn the halls and lights are hung on homes throughout the neighborhoods.  Some say there isn’t a better time of the year.  As you purchase your final gifts for family and loved ones there couldn’t be a better time to pick up items for your emergency kit.   As your fellow shoppers scramble for the latest and greatest dancing and singing Elmo doll, scurry down to the hardware isle to pick up a flashlight or two, or even a multi-tool.  They make great stocking stuffers.

With all the deals retailers give during this season it is the perfect time to stock up.  If time is not on your side, there are even full emergency kits available for sale at certain outlets.   Come to think of it, it just might be the best gift you can give!  The Red Cross has its own store providing kits or you can Google “emergency kit” and find dozens of sites that offer kits for one person and those that can suit the needs of the entire family.  These kits are available in retail with prices ranging from $50 to $100.

If you wish to build a kit yourself be sure to “make a list and check it twice!” A basic emergency supply kit should include the following recommended items:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Manual can opener for food
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

For recommendations on additional emergency kit items and more information on readiness please visit www.ready.gov .

Winter Wonderland and Weather Preparedness

Ice Skating at Campus Maritus Park, Downtown Detroit

Of the four seasons, winter is the most festive with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years closing out the year.   While it provides a wonderful backdrop as families and friends get together it can also be hazardous as the winter months can bring flood warnings, snow storms and the potential for extremely cold temperatures.

Detroit, in particular can have some very dangerous conditions on the roads and freeways during winter months.  Flooding, icy or wet roads and heavy snow can effect your commute in the Motor City as you travel to visit loved ones.

Here are a few tips on keeping safe and prepared during the winter months.

• Stay indoors during storms.

• If you must go outside, layers of clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Wear gloves or mittens and a hat to prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks.

• Be extremely careful when shoveling snow. It is physically strenuous work. When shoveling use your knees and not your back. Take frequent breaks. Avoid overexertion – heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.

• Avoid traveling by car, but if you must, keep the gas tank full for emergency use and to keep your fuel line from freezing. Let someone know your destination, the route you are taking, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck or an you are involved in an accident along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

• If you do get stuck, stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna for rescuers to see. Start the car and use the heater for about ten minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes don’t back up in the car. Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen. As you sit, move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and stay warm. Keep one window open to let in air.

• To avoid accidents drive slowly.  If your vehicle slides on an ice patch, don’t panic and slam on the breaks.  Simply take your foot off the gas and turn your steering wheel in the direction it is sliding to regain traction.

• Help a neighbor who may require special assistance, especially families with infants, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

Stay informed and watch your local weather forecast for the latest developments.  Depending on the conditions weather safety recommendations could change.  The National Weather Service has more information specific to your area and issues weather alerts through weather radio broadcasts and internet feeds.  You can visit the National Weather Service website for the latest local forecast, watches and warnings at  www.weather.gov/dtx.  There is a special website that shares weather preparedness information as well.  Click the link below to learn more.

Michigan  Weather Preparedness Information

Have a Safe and Happy Holidays from the OPHEP team!