Aug. 14, 2019
Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. I’m your host Jim Person. Coming up, learn about protecting yourself from West Nile virus, small business emergency preparedness, National Immunization Awareness Month, upcoming CERT training classes and the next Sheriff’s Office Safety Seat Saturday. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
MC Bugg-Z wants to know: Have you heard of West Nile virus? If not, let him tell you all about it in his new rap video, “West Nile Story,” on YouTube. West Nile virus is found in local mosquitoes each year – learn how to protect yourself and your family. You can also visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fightthebite for more information on mosquito bite prevention.
Natural disasters can take a huge toll on businesses and sidetrack the best laid plans and projections. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), an estimated 40% of businesses do not reopen after a disaster. Another 25% fail within one year following a disaster. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable when it comes to natural disasters since they often have fewer resources, locations and employees to help them become operational again. Virginia’s State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance strongly suggests that small businesses review their insurance coverage regularly and adjust it, as needed, when considering their insurance needs, including the possibility of a natural disaster. Know what your policies cover and how much you will need to make repairs and pay creditors, employees and yourself in the event of a disaster. For example, standard business insurance policies typically do not cover damage from certain types of disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, and separate coverage may be needed. Similarly, businesses may need to buy separate automobile insurance for cars and other vehicles because standard business policies cover only real property. Another option to consider is business interruption insurance, which covers the loss of income that a business suffers after a disaster. The Bureau of Insurance offers free guides specifically geared to businesses. For more information, contact the Consumer Services Section of the Bureau of Insurance Property and Casualty Division toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or visit www.scc.virginia.gov/boi.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, an annual opportunity to focus community attention on the value of immunizations as a safe, effective and necessary means to protect people of all ages. Today’s childhood vaccines protect against potentially life-threatening illnesses, including polio, measles, whooping cough and chickenpox. Preteens and teens also need vaccines like HPV, which protects them against certain types of cancer later in life. Adults need other vaccines, depending on their age, occupation, travel plans and medical conditions. Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every year. Required school vaccines are available at your pediatrician’s office or for free at the Health Department’s five clinics. Vaccines for adults and for foreign travel are available too for a fee. For faster service and shorter wait times, please call for an appointment. The Health Department is also offering extended walk-in hours for back-to-school immunizations:
• Friday, Aug. 23, 1-3 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 26, 4-6 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 27, 8-10 a.m.
Find clinic locations, hours of operation and phone numbers at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health.
The CERT, or Community Emergency Response Team, program educates residents about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area. CERT trains county residents in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. The next CERT training classes will be CERT 149 and CERT 150, both held at the Fire and Rescue Academy on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-11 p.m. Class 149 is Aug. 28 through Sept. 25, while class 150 starts Sept. 30 though Oct. 23. For more information and to register for the next CERT class at the Fire and Rescue Academy, visit https://volunteer.fairfaxcounty.gov and search "CERT."
The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office will hold the next Safety Seat Saturday on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 8-10:30 a.m. in the Public Parking Garage at the Fairfax County Public Safety Center, 10550 Page Avenue, Fairfax. Learn more at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/sheriff.
Finally, learn how to make a family emergency plan – as well as emergency plans for your business and house of worship – online at www.ReadyNOVA.org.
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 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.
