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TextHealth and Safety Podcast Transcript: Apr. 6, 2011
Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast for April 6, 2011. I’m Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency information officer. Coming up, learn about sheltering in place in case of a radiation emergency, Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Fairfax County, Public Health Week in Fairfax County and window safety. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
In the event of a radiation emergency, such as a nuclear power plant accident or the explosion of a dirty bomb, you may be asked to stay home and take shelter rather than try to evacuate. This action is called “sheltering in place.” Because many radioactive materials rapidly decay and dissipate, staying in your home for a short time may protect you from exposure to radiation. The walls of your home may block much of the harmful radiation. Taking a few simple precautions can help you reduce your exposure to radiation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has prepared information online to help you protect yourself and your family and to help you prepare a safe and well-stocked shelter. Visit http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation/shelter.asp for more information.
The Fairfax County 9-1-1 Center is one of the few centers of its kind in Virginia accredited by the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide emergency medical dispatch and pre-arrival instruction during medical emergencies prior to the arrival of public safety personnel. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, on behalf of all residents of Fairfax County, proclaimed the week of April 10-16, as Public Safety Telecommunications Week in Fairfax County, urging residents to show appreciation to members of this profession who assist 24/7, 365 days a year, to protect our health and safety.
Meanwhile, the Board of Supervisors also recently designated the week of April 4-10 as Public Health Week in Fairfax County. This year, the theme of National Public Health Week is "Safety is No Accident: Live Injury Free.” Injuries, unexpected events and violence affect people at home, at work, in their communities, on the move and even at play. Unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, poisonings and burns, rank among the top 10 causes of death for people ages 1-44. To learn more about National Public Health Week and how you can stay safe and healthy, visit www.nphw.org/nphw11.
With the arrival of warmer days and cool nights many residents open windows to let in fresh air. However, with the open window comes an increased safety risk for young children. A child’s fall from a window can be tragic. Here are some important safety tips to prevent children falling from open windows:
- Always supervise young children; life-threatening injuries can happen in seconds to a child left unattended.
- Close and lock windows whenever young children are around. If you need ventilation, open windows that children cannot reach. (For example, open double hung windows from the top only.)
- Keep furniture and beds away from windows. Children can quickly climb onto window ledges and fall.
- Keep window treatments (blinds, cords, drapes, etc.) out of children’s reach. They may injure themselves when climbing or be strangled.
More life safety information is available from the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire.
That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia government. Thanks for listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and emergency preparedness may be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. And remember, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.
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