Transcript: Health and Safety Podcast

May 14, 2025

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. Coming up, learn about hurricanes and the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season, Fairfax Alerts, and mosquitoes and ticks. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

Hurricane season will soon be upon us, and Hurricane Preparedness Week, recognized earlier this month, reminds us of the importance of being ready for these dangerous storms before they strike. As we’ve seen in recent years, hurricanes can cause massive damage from high winds, flooding and storm surge, even in inland areas not near the coast. Waiting until a storm is heading your way means rushing around with everyone else for supplies and making hasty decisions when you should be focusing on safety. Hurricane season starts June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30. This is the time frame each year when tropical or subtropical cyclones are most likely to form in the North Atlantic Ocean. Take action today to be better prepared for when the worst happens. The time you spend now getting ready can make a huge difference later. Having reliable ways to get weather alerts and emergency information is critical. You’ll want to sign up (for free) to Fairfax Alerts, the county’s text and email service that provides you emergency alerts and severe weather updates. Our emergency blog has more information; visit fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog.

 

Fairfax County's free alert system sends you important information during an emergency, helps you navigate your commute and shares community information. You can also customize your Fairfax Alerts to receive the information pertinent to you. Don't miss this important information!  Sign up today for Fairfax Alerts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts.

 

As warmer weather returns so do mosquitoes and ticks — and with them, the risk of several serious illnesses. The Fairfax County Health Department is urging resdients to take extra precautions this spring and summer to avoid bites and protect themselves and their families from illnesses spread by ticks, mosquitoes and other pests. Mosquitoes are known carriers of diseases like West Nile virus, Zika virus, dengue and Chikungunya, while ticks can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Experts warn that as climate patterns shift, these pests are appearing earlier in the season and in greater numbers. To minimize the risk of bites, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following tips:

• Use insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
• Check yourself, your children, and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
• Eliminate standing water around your home, as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
• Shower soon after being outdoors to wash off ticks and reduce the chance of tick-borne illnesses.
• Staying vigilant and taking preventive measures can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable spring season. If you develop symptoms like fever, rash, or unusual fatigue after a bite, health experts urge you to seek medical attention promptly.

Learn more about the Health Department’s Disease Carrying Insect program and how to protect yourself and your family and view available informational and educational materials at fairfaxcounty.gov/health/fightthebite.

Finally, each month the Office of Emergency Management produces the “Emergency Preparedness” newsletter, as well as a monthly emergency preparedness webinar. Learn more and sign up for free at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement.

 

That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government. Thanks for listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and emergency preparedness may be found on our emergency information blog at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog. Follow the Health and Safety podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. And remember, if you have a police, fire, or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.