September is National Preparedness Month - Preparing for Hurricanes
National Preparedness Month recognized each September, reminds us that we must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year for any type of emergency. Hurricanes are most active in September so it is fitting to take a look at a few things you can do to help prepare yourself and family in case of a severe storm or hurricane.
Get Prepared:
- Know Your Risk: Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Every part of Maryland can experience the devastating impacts of hurricanes
- Know Your Zone: Make yourself familiar with your community’s evacuation zones, so you’ll know exactly where to go.
- Build a Kit: For a list of items to consider, visit: http://bit.ly/2xGg7rQ.
- Complete a Family Communication Plan: Complete an emergency contact card for each member of your family to keep with them: http://bit.ly/2wis2MY.
- Check Your Insurance Coverage: Review your policy, ensure you’re adequately covered, and contact your agent for any changes.
- Stay Informed: Know where to go for trusted sources of information during an event.
- Know the difference between a watch and a warning
- Monitor local news for hurricane watches and warnings in your area and follow directions of local officials.
- Make sure you have a battery-operated or hand-crank radio available so you can stay updated if the power goes out.
Additional resources:
Rainfall, Standing Water and Mosquitos
Mosquitos can carry and spread any number of viruses. With all of the rain that has fallen in the last many weeks it is important to remember mosquito prevention activities.
The Doctor Is In - Episode Two - Teen Mental Health & Suicide
The second episode of the Health Department podcast, The Doctor Is In is now available on Howard Community College’s Dragon Digital Radio. This episode explores teen mental health and suicide. In Howard County, from 2014-2016, suicide was the number one cause of death for teens age 15-19. In this podcast, we'll talk to the mother of a Howard County girl who died by suicide and to the lead clinician from Grassroots' Mobile Crisis Team about teen mental health, suicide and resources available to help. You can hear all of the episodes of The Doctor Is In at: https://dragondigitalradio.podbean.com/category/the-doctor-is-in
September is National Recovery Month
Every September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover. The annual theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community".
The Recovery Walk has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. It will be held at the Ellicott City Assembly of God church located at 10600 Frederick Rd. Ellicott City, MD 21042. There will be live music, resources and free food (while supplies last).
Recovery Resources
Featured Video
Howard County Health Department Peer Support Specialist, Scott Sheldon, talks about his experience with substance misuse and the purpose of the Good Samaritan Law.