Transcript: Health and Safety Podcast

June 11, 2025

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. Coming up, learn about animal hoarding, the Cooling Assistance Program, summer swimming safety at the pool or in the ocean, and mosquitoes. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

Animal hoarding usually starts with good intentions. Someone takes in animals they think are unwanted and need care, but if the animals aren't spayed or neutered, they will begin breeding. As the number of animals grows, living conditions and the animals' health can get worse. This can create a dangerous situation for the people and animals in the home. However, even as things get worse, the person continues to believe that they are helping the animals and doesn't see that the animals are actually suffering. People who hoard animals can come from any background and income level. Studies also show that between 31 and 100 percent of people who hoard animals also hoard possessions. While the number of men and women who hoard possessions is about the same, most of the people who hoard animals are women. Family and friends might be afraid to report someone they think is hoarding animals because they don't want their loved one to get in trouble. However, the earlier Fairfax County’s Animal Protection Police Officers can investigate the allegation, the better the outcome for both the person and the animals. Getting help early means everyone can get the care and treatment they need to be safe and healthy. If you suspect that someone is hoarding animals, you should call the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131 right away so we can investigate.

 

The warmth of summer is welcomed by many after the cold and rain of winter and spring. Hot weather can also strain cooling systems and increase your bill, which can be difficult for anyone on a limited income. The Cooling Assistance program helps pay electric bills, security deposits, cooling equipment repair costs, or purchase of a fan or air conditioning unit (window or portable) for eligible households. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration. Some people will be pre-approved, and others will need to apply. Applications will be accepted June 16 through Aug. 15 this year. To apply for Cooling Assistance, or other food and medical benefits, visit CommonHelp.Virginia.gov, or call 855-635-4370.

 

Summertime also means enjoying a swim in your backyard pool or maybe even a trip to the ocean. Here’s some safety tips from our emergency blog. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, accidents happen fast. That’s why the buddy system is so important – having someone watching out for you can make all the difference in an emergency. Remember that drowning is often silent, not the splashing you see in movies. A child can slip underwater in seconds, so constant supervision is key – put down the phone and stay within arm’s reach of young swimmers. Here’s some tips to remember:

• Never swim alone—use the buddy system
• Watch children at all times near water
• Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills
• Keep rescue tools nearby (life rings, reaching poles)
• Make sure pools have proper fencing with self-closing gates
• Check that pool drains have proper covers to prevent suction injuries
• Know how to shut off pool pumps in an emergency

Before you head to the beach this summer, take a few minutes to check the local tide schedule and weather report. Ocean conditions can change quickly, and what starts as a calm day can turn dangerous. If you get caught in one, don’t fight it by swimming straight to shore. Instead, swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of the current, then head in. A small whistle attached to your beach bag can be a lifesaver if someone needs help – the sound carries much further than shouting over the waves and wind. Remember these additional tips as well:

• Swim only at beaches with lifeguards on duty
• Learn what different beach flags mean (red = danger, yellow = caution)
• Watch for rip currents—if caught in one, swim parallel to shore
• Check weather and tide reports before heading out
• Stay aware of changing conditions like incoming storms
• Bring flotation devices for weaker swimmers
• Keep a whistle for emergencies

 

Not only are mosquitoes a nuisance, they are capable of transmitting diseases, including malaria, dengue, yellow fever, West Nile Virus and Zika virus. In Fairfax County, West Nile Virus poses the greatest risk. It is important to know how to help control the mosquito population where you live and how to protect yourself from mosquito bites. By protecting yourself from mosquitoes and mosquito bites, you can prevent mosquito-borne disease. Learn more from our Health Department. Just visit fairfaxcounty.gov/fightthebite.

 

Finally, 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.

 

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.