NORTH GEORGIA HEALTH DISTRICT

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    NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ensuring a Safe and Joyful Holiday Season

Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
Category: Press Room

Holiday Safety1

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North GA - The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, amidst the excitement and festivities, it's crucial to keep safety at the forefront. Here are some tips to ensure a safe holiday season for you and your loved ones.

1. Fire Safety: With the increased use of candles, fairy lights, and fireplaces during the holiday season, the risk of house fires can escalate. Always ensure that candles are extinguished before leaving the room or going to bed. Check your holiday lights for any frayed wires or loose connections, and never leave them on unattended. If you're using a fireplace, ensure it's cleaned and inspected regularly.
2. Holiday Safety2Food Safety: Holiday feasts are a highlight of the season. However, foodborne illnesses can put a damper on the festivities. Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling food. Ensure that all food is cooked to the correct temperature and promptly refrigerated after the meal.
 
3. Health Safety: Being a part of holiday crowds and festive gatherings places you at greater risk of exposure to infectious viruses that tend to circulate at this time of year, including Flu, Covid-19, and RSV. We can also spread these viruses to others. Make sure you are up-to-date on your vaccinations for these illnesses. These vaccines are available at our local county health departments in North Georgia.
4. Travel Safety: If you're traveling during the holidays, ensure your vehicle is in good working order before hitting the road. Check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly. Always have an emergency kit in your car, including blankets, food, water, and a first-aid kit.
5. Home Safety: If you're leaving your home unattended during the holidays, take steps to make it appear occupied. Use timers to turn lights on and off, ask a neighbor to collect your mail, and avoid posting about your travel plans on social media.
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Gifts That Show You Care: Emergency Kit Essentials for the Holidays

Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
Category: Press Room

Emergency kit holiday gifts

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North GA - As the holiday season approaches, many of us are on the hunt for the perfect gifts for our loved ones. This year, why not consider giving something that not only shows your affection but also your concern for their safety and well-being? Presenting your family and friends with items that can be added to their emergency kits is a thoughtful and practical way to express your care.
Emergency kits are essential for every household. They contain all the necessary items that you, your family, and your loved ones may need during an emergency. This could be a situation that requires staying indoors for an extended period or during a power outage.
The contents of an emergency kit can vary depending on individual needs, but some common items include bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio. Other useful items might include personal hygiene products, a multi-tool, blankets, and a manual can opener.
This holiday season, consider gifting items that can be added to these kits. For instance, a high-quality flashlight or a durable multi-tool can make a great gift for the handy person in your life. A cozy blanket or a set of warm socks can be a thoughtful present for someone who values comfort. For the foodie, consider a selection of their favorite non-perishable gourmet foods.
Not only are these gifts practical, but they also show your loved ones that you care about their safety and well-being. In times of emergency, these items can provide comfort, security, and even a lifeline.
So, as you make your list and check it twice, consider the gift of preparedness. It's a gift that truly shows how much you care, not just during the holiday season, but all year round.
 

Here is a whole list of great gift options that could be added to your loved ones' emergency kits:

Be sure to enhance your gift with a festive card that includes the above Emergency Kit checklist, and urge the gift recipient to also add these items to their kit:

 Change of clothes appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes – for each person in the house

 

Do you know families with children who have disabilities or special needs?Emergency kit holiday dog and girl
View our checklist for Families with Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN).

Don't forget the pets! Be sure to remind loved ones to stock up on items their pet may need during a disaster. Go to the Pet Emergency Kit Checklist. 

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DPH: Stay Healthy for the Holidays

Written by: Georgia Department of Public Health
Category: Press Room
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Per the following Georgia Department of Public Health press release, please note that Flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines are available at our Health Departments in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties during regular clinic hours (RSV vaccine is available only for people 60 and older). No appointment is needed. Depending on a person's healthcare coverage, these vaccines may be No or Low cost to the individual.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                               
November 10, 2023
 
                                                                                      

Stay Healthy for the Holidays 

Vaccination is Your Best Protection Against Serious Illness

 

ATLANTA –  The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding Georgians that holiday gatherings, crowded travel, and more time indoors make it easier for germs to spread, especially those that cause flu, COVID, and RSV. Vaccination is the most important step you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Everyone ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccination and updated COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccines can be given at the same time, so it’s just one trip to your healthcare provider or pharmacy. Side effects are typically mild and only last a day or two. If you do get sick, vaccination will help prevent serious illness or hospitalization.

Some adults may need an RSV vaccination, but it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider first to see if RSV vaccination is right for you. Pregnant women can protect their unborn babies by getting an RSV vaccination; and the CDC recommends an RSV preventive antibody for infants and some older babies at higher risk for severe RSV disease.

If you have signs or symptoms of a respiratory virus, like a cough, runny nose, or fever, tests can help figure out which illness you have. COVID tests are widely available over the counter, at health departments and kiosks statewide. Kiosks also provide flu tests. Your healthcare provider may also test you for flu, COVID and/or RSV. You can also discuss the best treatments available with your healthcare provider.

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Closed Friday, Nov 10, for Veterans Day

Written by: Jennifer King, Public Information Officer
Category: Press Room

CLOSED VETERANS DAY 2023 FBVer opción en Español en la parte superior de esta página

North GA - In honor of Veterans Day, we will be closed on Friday, November 10, 2023. All our public health facilities in Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield counties will be closed.

Veterans Day officially falls on November 11th.

We express our deepest gratitude to all veterans for their service and sacrifice!

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish everyone a meaningful Veterans Day.

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Media Releases

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