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PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Tracie Douglas, PIO

For Immediate Release

775-328-6140

http://www.washoecounty.us/health

08-11

Safety tips for the summer holiday weekend

Summer fun and the 4th of July are synonymous with time spent outdoors, barbeques and recreational water activities. In order to help ensure a healthy and happy holiday weekend the Washoe County Health District is offering a few simple safety tips.

Heat and Smoke Safety It appears the smoky skies will remain throughout the weekend. The District Health Department (DHD) would like to remind everyone, especially those who are sensitive to the smoke, to stay indoors with the air conditioning on if you are not feeling well. According to Andy Goodrich, Division Director for the Air Quality Management Division (AQMD), swamp coolers may draw some smoke and smoke odor into the house. If that becomes bothersome, discontinue using the swamp cooler. However, the DHD is also concerned about health problems that can be caused by heat. With temperatures in the high 90’s, moving close to 100 by Monday, it is important for people to keep in mind that even short periods of exposure can cause health problems that range from minor to life threatening. Minor heat-related illnesses include sunburn and heat rash and while the immediate effects of sunburn may be short-lived the long-term consequences can be much more serious. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke require immediate medical attention.

It is important that everyone wear sunscreen to help protect against permanent damage to the skin and skin cancers. Until the smoke totally clears from the valley, exercise indoors or at a gym and always drink plenty of liquids.

Mosquitoes and Repellent Mosquitoes, besides being bothersome, can transmit illnesses such as West Nile virus to people. When outdoors, use insect repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the directions on the package. Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts when hiking or camping and spray repellent on clothes and exposed areas of skin. Light colored clothing can help you see mosquitoes that land on you. Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, notably at dawn and dusk (the first two hours after sunset). Eliminate areas of standing water around your home, including bird baths and unmaintained swimming pools.

Food safety Meats, poultry and cut fresh fruits and vegetables should be refrigerated until ready to serve. Discard any food left out more than two hours (one hour if the outdoor temperature is above 90 F).

Cooked meats should be kept at 140 F or warmer until served. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in shallow containers. Use a food thermometer to be sure the food has reached a safe internal temperature:

• Poultry, 165° F
• Chicken breasts, 165° F
• Hamburgers, hot dogs and all cuts of pork, 155° F
• Beef, veal and lamb steaks, roasts and chops, 145° F
• Fully cooked meats, like roasts, 155° F
• Poultry, wild game, stuffed meats and fish, 165° F

Hands should be washed with warm soapy water before and after handling fresh produce and raw meat, as well as after changing diapers or handling pets. Be careful not to cross contaminate! Use one cutting board and utensil for produce, another for meats.

For more information on summer safety and health topics, access the health district website at www.washoecounty.us/health. Have a safe and happy weekend.

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