Mark A. McDonnell, RS, MS, Health Commissioner

Robert P. Dillaplain, MD, Medical Director

 

News Release

For Immediate Release                 Contact: Sara T. Pappa, Public Information Officer

December 23, 2008                        937-374-5662/866-858-3588

 

 

Greene County Combined Health District

Urges Emergency Preparedness for All

 

This New Year’s Eve, nearly 50 percent of Americans will make at least one resolution as they look toward 2009.  Greene County Combined Health District (GCCHD) wants to encourage the citizens of our communities to make preparing for an emergency a resolution that is both important and easy to keep. 

 

Now’s the Time. Resolve to Be Ready in 2009.  It just takes three steps:

1.      Get an emergency supply kit.

2.      Make a family emergency plan.

3.      Be informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur in your area and their appropriate responses.

 

This time of year brings with it winter weather concerns:

  • You may have to cope with hazardous roads and the potential of being stranded.
  • Many homes will be too cold due to power failure or inadequate heating systems.
  • Space heaters and fireplaces increase the risk of household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Exposure to cold temperature can cause other serious health problems like frostbite and hypothermia.

 

To learn more about being prepared for the winter conditions on the roadway visit www.weathersafety.ohio.gov . There is also a very helpful prevention guide to promote personal health and safety in extreme cold at www.bt.cdc.gov/disaters/winter/guide.asp .

 

Additionally, GCCHD encourages you to visit www.ready.gov to learn how to prepare your family, home and business for all types of emergencies including natural and man-made disasters. The Web site offers free downloadable resources, including family emergency plan templates and sample business continuity plans and provides you with tools to make a New Year’s resolution that will bring you and your loved ones peace of mind all year long.

Wishing you a happy and safe New Year, and remember, Now’s the Time. Resolve to Be Ready in 2009.

For more information, contact Sheryl Wynn, Emergency Preparedness Planner, at (937) 374-5670 or swynn@gcchd.org.

 

Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 80 years.

Healthy People…Healthy Communities

360 Wilson Drive

Xenia, OH 45385

937-374-5600 * 866-858-3588 * Fax 937-374-5675