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TextHealth and Safety Podcast Transcript: March 9, 2011
Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast for March 9, 2011. I’m Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency information officer. Coming up, learn what you should include in your emergency supply kit, candle safety tips and the statewide tornado safety drill. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
The ReadyCampaign recommends that a basic emergency supply kit include:
- One gallon of water per person per day, for three days – and remember to include water for your pets, too
- It’s important to store at leasta three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking and little or no water and choose foods your family will eat: ready-to-eat canned meats, peanut butter, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal or granola
- A manual can opener and eating utensils.
- 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.
- Local maps.
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
Individuals with disabilities and seniors should also think about their access and functional needs and the additional needs of family members with disabilities. For a complete list of items, visit www.ready.gov or the Spanish-language site www.listo.gov to download a free emergency supply checklist, or call 1-800-BE-READY.
Many times when residents lose electricity in their homes due to a storm, the use of candles seems like a good idea. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reminds us that candles can be dangerous if used improperly. Here are some basic candle safety tips
- Do not place candles near combustible materials.
- Place candles in glass or ceramic containers.
- Place candles on a flat, sturdy surface.
- Never leave children unattended in a room with an open flame candle.
- Do not place candles on window ledges or near entryways. The potential air draft can “fan” the flame, catching curtains or other materials on fire.
- Do keep burning candles within sight at all times. Candles can present fire hazards outdoors on decks and patios as well as inside your home.
- Always extinguish candles before leaving the home.
- Place all candles on a protected, heat resistant, dry surface away from anything that can catch fire and out of the reach of children and pets.
For more fire safety information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire.
Finally, don’t forget the statewide tornado drill on Tuesday, March 15, at 9:45 a.m. It’s not too late to participate. Go to www.vaemergency.com for more details.
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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