City of Santa Clarita urges residents to think ahead

 

[view:node_ad=5]As a part of the 12 months of Personal Preparedness, the City of Santa Clarita is encouraging residents plan ahead and take the steps necessary to prepare for a public health emergency.

 

Public health emergencies may be related to incidents or outbreaks of infectious disease, food and waterborne illnesses, and other threats to the public’s health and safety.

 

Health experts are concerned about the potential for a pandemic flu, which is a worldwide outbreak of a new flu virus that spreads quickly with little or no immunity (protection). No one can predict when the next pandemic flu will occur or how severe it will be but flu pandemics have occurred three times in the last century: 1918, 1957, and 1968.

 

To prevent the spread of flu, there are several key steps that you can take to stay healthier: wash your hands with soap and water frequently, cover your cough and sneezes, stay home if you are sick, and stay away from others so they will not become sick, and get a seasonal flu shot.

 

Also, make sure to have two weeks worth of medical and health supplies on hand for you and your family. Examples of supplies are: soap or water-free, alcohol-based hand wash, medicines for fever such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, cough syrup, thermometer, and fluids with electrolytes.

 

Healthcare professionals recommend seasonal flu shots as the best way of preventing the flu.  Flu shots are recommended for the following groups of people:children 6 month and older, pregnant women, childcare providers, caregivers, first responders, seniors, and anyone with a chronic illness.

 

The 12 months of Personal Preparedness is designed to increase resident’s awareness and preparedness on what to do in the event of a specific emergency or disaster.

Each month throughout the year, the City and KHTS will promote news stories and interviews focusing on improving preparedness with the City Manager, Mayor, and City Councilmembers.

 

For a more information or a complete list of the 12 months of Personal Preparedness to be covered throughout the year, please visit www.santa-clarita.com.