Printer
TextHealth and Safety Podcast Transcript: February 22, 2012
Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast
for Feb. 22, 2012. I’m Jim Person, Fairfax County emergency
information officer. Coming up, learn about the Community Emergency Alert
Network for Businesses, Ready NOVA dot org, the importance of getting a
flu vaccine, the national anniversary of the Medical Reserve Corps and a
reminder to register for the March 20 statewide tornado drill. Links to
topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Community Emergency Alert Network (CEAN) for Businesses delivers
alerts, notifications and updates during a major crisis or emergency, in
addition to day-to-day notices about weather and traffic. Local
businesses may also receive important private-sector specific alerts that
could impact employees and workplaces during the recovery from a
disaster. Alerts can be delivered to five individuals in all devices that
are registered. Sign up for the Community Emergency Alert Network (CEAN)
for Businesses at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cean/business.
Speaking of business preparedness, it is also important for businesses
to develop an emergency plan. For an easy-to-use template, visit www.ReadyNOVA.org.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reminds residents that
it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine. According to the CDC, flu
activity is just picking up in the U.S. and it’s possible that we could
continue to see significant flu activity until May. Getting your flu
vaccine, and encouraging your colleagues to get theirs, reduces the risk
of flu illness. Your flu vaccine also helps to protect you and your
family when you’re away from the office. For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
The Fairfax County Health Department also features information at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd and www.fairfaxcounty.gov/flu.
The Fairfax County Health Department is recognizing the 10th anniversary
of the national Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program at a series of “boot
camp” trainings held throughout the community to encourage residents to
volunteer. Residents of Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and
Falls Church are encouraged to join the MRC and attend an orientation
session. The trainings are open to new and current Fairfax MRC
volunteers. The three sessions – scheduled in March and April – include
training on emergency preparedness and response. MRC volunteers are not
required to have a medical background – Fairfax MRC volunteers include
medical and non-medical professionals, such as physicians, nurses, office
workers and teachers. Fairfax MRC volunteers train and prepare to assist
the Health Department if they are called upon to assist during a public
health emergency. To learn more about the program and eligibility, visit
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/MRC.
Registration is open for the March 20 Statewide Tornado Drill at www.ReadyVirginia.gov. Businesses, schools, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to take part in this critical safety exercise. The annual drill is sponsored by the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Learn more about tornado safety and how to hold a drill at www.ReadyVirginia.gov, or call the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management at 571-350-1000.
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.
Website Survey 