Global Hand Washing Day
October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. This year’s theme, “Our Future is at Hand – Let’s Move Forward Together,” calls for collective action.
This unprecedented time provides a unique impetus to institutionalize hand hygiene as a fundamental component of health and safety. The learnings from the past year have emphasized the need for collective action to address the historic neglect of hand hygiene investments, policies, and programs once and for all. As we enter a new normal, beyond COVID-19, our future is at hand.
Did you know there is a proper way to wash your hands? Not just rubbing soap on and wash them off? Follow the proper hand washing steps from the World Health Organization below:
For more information on Global Handwashing Day visit: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/global-handwashing-day.html
National Fire Prevention Week
This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association, encourages the fire service to educate their communities about the different sounds smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms make and actions to take if an alarm sounds.
Smoke Alarms
- Every Bedroom news a working smoke alarm.
- Half of home fire deaths happen between 11 pm and 7 am when most people are asleep.
- Test alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
- Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old or if they do not sound when tested.
- When the smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside. Go to your outside meeting place.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide or CO is a colorless and odorless gas. CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as furnace, heater or generator, is not working or vented properly breathing in CO at high levels can be fatal.
- More than 150 people in the U.S. die every year from accidental non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Install and maintain CO alarms inside your home to provide early warning signs of CO.
- Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows and vents.
- Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
For more information and fun family activities for Fire Prevention week visit: https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week
Halloween Safety
Costume Safety
- All costumes, wigs and accessories should be fire-resistant
- If children are allowed out after dark, fasten reflective tape to their costumes and bags, or give them glow sticks
- Use nontoxic Halloween makeup over masks, which can obscure vision; always test makeup in a small area first to see if any irritation develops
- Remove all makeup before children go to bed to prevent skin and eye irritation
When your out trick-or-treating:
A scary but real fact, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Lack of visibility because of low lighting at night also plays a factor in these incidents.
- A responsible adult should accompany young children on the neighborhood rounds
- If older children are going alone, plan and review a route acceptable to you
- Agree on a specific time children should return home
- Teach your children never to enter a stranger’s home or car
- Instruct children to travel only in familiar, well-lit areas and stick with their friends
- Tell your children not to eat any treats until they return home, and take care to avoid any food allergies
Safety Tips for Motorists:
Even if you do not participate in the Halloween festivities, or if you are out on the road during trick-or-treat hours, here are additional safety tips.
- Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully
- At twilight and later in the evening, watch for children in dark clothing
- Discourage new, inexperienced drivers from driving on Halloween
For more information on Halloween Safety, please visit: https://www.safekids.org/halloween
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