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Spring Into Health and Safety

Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 551
Fairfax, VA 22035-0065
703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935, FAX 703-324-2010

March 23, 2004

Spring Into Health and Safety

Now that it is officially spring, Fairfax County wants residents to be healthy and safe as they soak up the sun. Below are helpful tips and valuable information resources for the coming weeks.

Women's Health
April is Women and Girls' Wellness Month. Now is the time to start exercising and maintaining a healthy diet. The Women's Health Virginia Web site at www.womenshealthvirginia.org provides information regarding health screenings for women and girls. For more information, contact Women's Health Virginia at 434-220-4500, TTY 711.

National Public Health Week
April 5 - 11 is National Public Health Week and the Fairfax County Health Department is gearing up to celebrate its programs and services that benefit every resident in Fairfax County. The Health Department will highlight, through various communications outlets, a public health issue each day during National Public Health Week, and will distribute health education materials throughout the schools and libraries. Health topics to be highlighted include air quality and asthma; emergency preparedness; food safety; swimming pool safety; and West Nile virus. For more information, contact the Health Department at 703-246-2435, TTY 703-591-6435 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd.

Change Your Clocks, Change Your Batteries
Daylight Saving Time begins Sunday, April 4. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reminds people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms every six months, or every time the time changes. Approximately 80 percent of all U.S. fire deaths occur in the home. Fatal residential fires most often occur at night when residents are sleeping. In most cases, the best way to survive a residential fire is early fire detection and rapid escape to a safe area. For more information, call the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department at 703-246 3801, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire.

Kids Can't Fly
Open windows are a safety risk to children. Screens do not prevent children from falling out. Windows must operate easily for emergency exits in case of fire, but should be made "childproof" by following these safety tips:

• Keep children away from open windows.
  
• Never leave children alone in rooms with open windows.
  
• Open windows from the top when possible, or only open four inches from bottom.
  
• Keep beds, chairs and other "climbing aids" away from windows.
  
• Consider installing window guards.
  
• Educate older children about the dangers with open windows.

For more information, call the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department at 703-246 3801, TTY 711 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire.

Enjoy Our Pathways
The many pathways and park areas in Fairfax County are ideal places to walk and relax. By following the simple, sensible precautions described here you can help ensure that your time spent on pathways, in parks or at similar outdoor places is safe and enjoyable. Whenever you are walking or jogging in isolated areas, remember these personal safety tips:

• Have someone accompany you if at all possible. Walking a dog, especially one inclined to bark at strangers, is preferable to being alone. (When not on private property, dogs in Fairfax County must be on a leash.)
  
• Let someone know where you will be and when you expect to return.
  
• Know where you can run for help. Remember that no coins are required to dial the 911 emergency number from pay telephones.
  
• Avoid walking too closely to bushes or areas with any kind of tall overgrowth.
  
• Avoid the temptation to daydream or otherwise become distracted. Know what's going on around you.
  
• Be alert to any sudden approach by a stranger.
  
• Try to avoid being out late at night. If you are out after dark, always carry a flashlight with fresh batteries.
  
• Whenever walking on a highway, road or street, always walk facing traffic. You should do this even when there are sidewalks, since it makes it more difficult for someone to drive up behind you without being noticed.
  
• Do not wear a headset.

For more information, contact the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-246-2253, TTY 711.

 

FAIRFAX COUNTY IS COMMITTED TO A POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION IN ALL COUNTY PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES AND WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS UPON REQUEST. TO REQUEST SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, CALL 703-324-3187, TTY 703-324-2935. PLEASE ALLOW FIVE WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE OF EVENTS IN ORDER TO MAKE THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS.