Due to circumstances beyond our control the Building Construction Principals course scheduled for Jan. 23rd & 24th at the Harrison Twp. Fire Co. station has been canceled. We hope to be able to reschedule the class for another date. Information on a new date will be posted when it becomes available. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Hello Friends and Neighbors!

As you know, flu season is upon us, and this season brings with it a special concern for a new kind of influenza virus – H1N1, commonly known as the “swine flu.” The membership of the Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department wants to provide you with some information on how to protect yourself from the virus, how to recognize someone who is possibly infected with the virus, and some general treatment if you or a loved one should become infected.

Protect Yourself

H1N1 influenza spreads the same way as the seasonal flu, so the same precautions that everyone should take to avoid the season flu should be effective to limit the spread of H1N1. These are the simple things that we all learned as children: cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands frequently. The use of hand sanitizing gel is effective when hand-washing is not possible. Do not rub your eyes nose or mouth – this is a great way for germs to enter your body. Try to avoid close contact with sick people – the more germs you encounter, the higher the likelihood that you become infected by them.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of H1N1 influenza are the same general flu-like symptoms associated with the seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. If you experience a fever, it should resolve on its own within 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

Treatment

If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick. If your fever persists, resolves but then returns, or you experience shortness of breath, seek medical care.

Due to the presence of this new influenza virus, the fire department will be taking extra precautions when responding to calls where there is a possibility for H1N1. We will be limiting the number of people who have patient contact. We will also be using more extensive infection control supplies. Responders may be wearing face masks, protective glasses, and gowns. Please do not be alarmed if responders follow these procedures. We merely want to take all possible precautions against the spread of this virus.

For further information, you can visit:

http://www.htvfd20.org

http://www.flu.gov/evaluation

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

http://www.health.state.pa.us

You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now. You should know both the magnitude of what can happen during a pandemic outbreak and what actions you can take to help lessen the impact of an influenza pandemic on you and your family. This checklist will help you gather the information and resources you may need in case of a flu pandemic.

To plan for a pandemic:

Store a two week supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.

Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home.
 
Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.

Many fires, burns, and injuries occur in the kitchen. The following tips will help keep you and your family safe:

• Always use pot holders or oven mitts when putting food in or taking food out of the oven and handling hot items on the stove.
• Don't put any hot foods or liquids near the edge of the counter or table as they could spill, fall, or get knocked over and cause burns.
• Always make sure the stovetop is clean as residue grease can catch fire.
• If a fire should occur on the stove, carefully slide a pan lid over the flames (make sure you are wearing an oven mitt) and then turn off the heat.
• If a fire should occur in the oven, keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat to smother the fire.
• Never leave appliance cords dangling over the counter as children or pets could pull them and injure themselves.
• When microwaving water, let it sit a minute before removing the cup as water heated past the boiling point can erupt out of the cup.
• When using a microwave oven, make sure the containers and wrappings are microwave-safe.
• Never put metal (such as aluminum foil, staples, metal utensils, etc.) in a microwave.
• Remember that food heated in a microwave can be very hot and use care when removing it or opening lids or other packaging/covers after heating.
• Puncture plastic pouches and plastic wrap coverings before heating items in a microwave to reduce the risk of steam burns.

Find more cooking fire safety tips in Fire Corps’ Fire Prevention Week Resource Center for 2008.

Being aware of your surroundings is the best way to reduce the likelihood of being burned. In the event someone is burned, it is important to know the steps for proper treatment.

Be sure to keep hot foods, liquids, and appliances (such as a curling iron) away from tables or counter edges to avoid them being knocked over or pulled down.

When using a heating pad, do not use for durations longer than 15-20 minutes and avoid placing objects on top of the pad.

If someone is burned, treat it right away by applying cool water for 3-5 minutes, and then cover with a clean, dry cloth.

Remove all clothing, diapers, jewelry, and metal from the burned areas.

If a burn is severe or bigger than a fist, seek medical attention immediately.

Reproduced from NFPA's Fire Prevention Week web site, www.firepreventionweek.org. ©2009 NFPA