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Heat Advisory in Effect for Howard County Until 8:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2017

A Heat Advisory has been issued for Howard County for Friday, July 21, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.  These conditions may pose danger for some residents, especially those with other significant health concerns. The public should take the following precautions to prevent heat-related illness: 
• NEVER leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment. 
• If you must be out in the heat wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen. 
• Stay hydrated. Drink water and caffeine-free liquids. Alcoholic beverages do not keep you hydrated.
• Stay out of the sun during the hours of 10:00a.m. and 3:00p.m. 
• Take frequent rest breaks in air conditioned or shaded environments 
• Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors. 
• Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin.
• Citizens should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency. 

Howard County residents in need of a cooler environment should visit Howard County's 50+ Centers, or Howard County Library branches during normal hours. For information about area Howard County 50+ Centers visit Howard County Government website at www.howardcountymd.gov. For Howard County Library System locations and hours of operation visit: www.hclibrary.org.   

Resources: 

In the Heat of Summer, Never Leave a Child in a Vehicle Unattended

Summer has arrived.  With that comes the reminder not to leave children in a vehicle under any circumstances.  Each year, an average of 37 children die from becoming over-heated (hyperthermia) in a hot car, according to the Department of Meteorology and Climate Science, San Jose State University.  In order to prevent a tragedy from happening, Health Officer, Dr. Maura J. Rossman recommends adopting a plan to use each time the vehicle is exited.

  • Start a “look before you leave routine”; be sure that everyone is out of the vehicle.  Check for sleeping babies.
  • Have your childcare provider call you if your child does not arrive for daycare.
  • Look into child reminder technologies that connect wireless car seat alarms to key rings.
  • The elderly may be susceptible to the same dangers as youngsters.  Seat belts, door handles and other mobility issues may pose challenges to those who need help to get out of the car.

Finally, do not leave pets in a vehicle unattended.

Resources:

Free School Lunches throughout the Summer

HCPSS is offering free school lunches throughout the Summer (June 26-August 4) to all children at four schools in the area.  They are:

  • Harpers Choice Middle School
  • Murray Hill Middle School
  • Thomas Viaduct Middle School
  • Stevens Forest Elementary School

Click here for more information (Haz clic para más información)

 
Opioid/Heroin Overdose Prevention Training

For more information about substance use/abuse and prevention see our Behavioral Health page.  For Opioid Overdose Response (naloxone) Training, visit our Behavioral Health page or call 410-313-6202.

An Opioid Overdose Response Program Information video is available for viewing online. To view, click on the following ezcast.com link to Opioid/Heroin Overdose Training.

 

Suicide Prevention App for Smart Phones

(Click above to get more information about the app.)

Apple App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/there-is-hope/id1122136102?mt=8

Google Play Store:  https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nextlogik.grassroots&hl=en

Howard County Health Department
Rabies Vaccinations for Your Pets
The Howard County Health Department, in cooperation with the Animal Control and Adoption Center sponsor monthly local vaccination clinics to protect your pet from the rabies virus. Bring your dog, cat, or ferret for a discounted vaccination the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Location:  8576 Davis Road
                  Columbia, MD 21045 
                   
Time:  Every 3rd Thursday
Between the hours of 12pm and 1:30pm

Cost:   $5.00 cash or check
Payable to “Director of Finance”
 
•    All pets must be on a leash or in a carrier!
•    Pets must be at least 3 months of age to receive a vaccination.
•    Re-vaccinate animals by the 1 or 3 year vaccination expiration date.
•    Please bring proof of any previous vaccinations. For cats and dogs you will need a copy of the previous rabies vaccine from your veterinarian. This will allow us to document a 3 year vaccination on your new certificate.

For more information, contact:
Bureau of Environmental Health at (410) 313-1773
Animal Control and Adoption Center at (410) 313-2780



Foodborne Illnesses

Foodborneillnesstomato

Important: If you think you are sick due to eating bad food or food product contact the Bureau of Environmental Health at 410-313-1772.  After business hours, leave a message with your call back information and we will return your call first thing the morning of the following day.