Very cold weather is moving into the coastal Georgia area beginning Sunday, January 19, with temperatures dropping below freezing combined with a dangerous wind chill.
Remember the 4 “Ps” of winter weather safety during this cold snap.
People: Ensure that everyone is dressed warmly before going outdoors. If you have family, friends, or neighbors who are especially vulnerable to cold weather, please check on them to be sure they’re warm and safe.
Pets: Bring pets inside. If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for them, too.
Plants: Cover outdoor plants with cloth or bring them inside. Freezing temperatures can kill some plants.
Pipes: Let your pipes drip. Having water move through the pipes will help prevent the water from freezing. A frozen pipe can burst causing property damage.
As loved ones gather around the table for Thanksgiving this week, the Coastal Health District offers tips and reminders for ensuring a safe and healthy holiday feast. From preparing food, to serving, to storing leftovers, there are important food safety rules that can prevent you from ingesting bacteria that can make you sick.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
If turkey is on the menu, keep the raw turkey and its juices separate from foods that won’t be cooked.
Remember to fully clean and sanitize surfaces that come in contact with the uncooked meat and juices so bacteria from the turkey doesn’t cross-contaminate other food or surfaces.
Avoid touching ready-to-eat food with bare hands – this includes food you’ve already cooked, or food that doesn’t have to be cooked. Be sure to use serving utensils or gloves so you don’t unknowingly contaminate the food with germs from your hands.
Proper Temperature
Whether you’re frying or roasting your turkey, the key is to make sure the meat reaches a safe minimum temperature.
A food thermometer can help you ensure the turkey is hot enough to effectively kill bacteria. The turkey needs to reach a temperature of at least 165 degrees in the thickest part of the breast, the innermost part of the thigh, and the innermost part of the wing.
Leftovers: The Two Hour Rule
Once the food has been served, remember the two-hour rule. Perishable food should not sit at room temperature longer than two hours or harmful bacteria can develop. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours of serving.
If you have leftover turkey, it’s a good idea to carve the bird into smaller pieces and place them into small, shallow containers so the meat can cool more evenly and quickly.
When reheating the leftovers, only heat the amount you actually plan to eat at that time. For example, reheating an entire casserole dish and then cooling it back down multiple times isn’t a safe choice.
Leftovers can be kept safely in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and the freezer for 2-6 months.
Due to the potential for severe weather associated with Hurricane Milton, all Camden and Glynn County clinics and offices will be closed on Thursday, October 10. Anyone with an appointment previously scheduled during the closure will be contacted to reschedule. Both counties are expected to reopen on Friday, October 11 at the regularly scheduled times.
The Coastal Health District urges residents to be prepared as Hurricane Milton approaches. They should:
Have a three-day supply of non-perishable foods.
Have one gallon of water per person per day.
Have a three-day supply of prescription medications.
Turn the refrigerator to the coldest setting.
Charge phones and electronics.
Hurricane Milton is expected to bring tropical storm-force winds, significant rainfall with potential coastal flooding, storm surge, flash flooding, and rip currents. Flooding of coastal streets and roadways is also possible. Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down, and one foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. We urge everyone to “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.” Learn more about flood safety at ready.gov/floods.
Several health departments in the Coastal Health District are hosting breast cancer screening events in October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer death in women. However, many cancer deaths can be avoided through regular screening. When breast cancer is detected and treated early, the chance of survival is greatly increased.
Read below for information about a screening event near you.
Bryan County Health Department – Pembroke Clinic
October 24th, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
At the health department, 430 Ledford Street in Pembroke
Clinical breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, referral for mammogram at a later date
Appointments are encouraged but not required and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-653-4331.
All breast health services, including mammograms, are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Cervical cancer screenings are free to women aged 21-64 without health insurance.
Camden County Health Department
October 17th, 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
At the health department, 905 Dilworth Street in St. Marys
Clinical breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, mobile mammogram unit
Appointments are limited and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-882-8515.
All breast health services, including mammograms, are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Cervical cancer screenings are free to women aged 21-64 without health insurance.
Women with health insurance are also welcome to schedule an appointment, and health insurance will be billed for the services.
Chatham County Health Department
October 29th
At the health department’s Midtown clinic, 1602 Drayton Street in Savannah
Mobile mammogram unit
By appointment only – schedule by calling 912-356-2946
Mammograms are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance.
Effingham County Health Department
October 22nd, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
At the health department, 802 Hwy 119 South in Springfield
Clinical breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, referral for mammogram at a later date
Appointments are encouraged but not required and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-754-6484.
All breast health services, including mammograms, are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Cervical cancer screenings are free to women aged 21-64 without health insurance.
Free blood pressure and blood glucose screenings will also be available, and all participants will receive goody bags and light refreshments.
Glynn County Health Department
October 21st, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
At the health department, 2747 Fourth Street in Brunswick
Mobile mammogram unit
No appointment needed – walk-ins are welcome
Mammograms are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Women with health insurance are also welcome, and health insurance will be billed for the services.
Liberty County Health Department
October 22nd, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
At the health department, 1113 E. Oglethorpe Hwy. in Hinesville
Clinical breast exams, cervical cancer screenings, referral for a same-day mammogram at Diversity Healthcare
Appointments are strongly recommended and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-876-2173.
All breast health services, including mammograms, are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Cervical cancer screenings are free to women aged 21-64 without health insurance.
No-cost COVID and flu vaccines will also be available, and all participants will receive giveaways.
Long County Health Department
October 15th, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
In the IGA parking lot on Hwy 84 in Ludowici
Mobile mammogram unit
No appointment needed – walk-ins are welcome
Mammograms are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Women with health insurance are also welcome, and health insurance will be billed for the services.
McIntosh County Health Department
October 28th, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Coastal Market at 5214 Highway 17 in Darien
Mobile mammogram unit
No appointment needed – walk-ins are welcome
Mammograms are free for women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Women with health insurance are also welcome, and health insurance will be billed for the services.
Generators are commonly used as a backup power source during a prolonged power outage, but they can also be dangerous – even deadly – if not used correctly. The Coastal Health District is reminding all residents to ONLY use generators outdoors, at least 20 feet away from doors and windows, directing the generator’s exhaust away from the home, and ALWAYS have working carbon monoxide detectors in the home.
Portable back-up generators produce the poison gas carbon monoxide (CO). CO is an odorless, colorless gas that kills without warning. It claims the lives of hundreds of people every year and makes thousands more ill.
Follow these steps to keep your family safe.
Portable Generators:
Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors, and windows.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors:
Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
Check CO detectors regularly to be sure they are functioning properly.
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, sleepiness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. CO symptoms are often described as “flu-like.”
If you or someone you’re with has symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air immediately and call 911 for emergency medical help.
There is a risk of long-term, permanent heart and brain damage even if a person survives carbon monoxide poisoning, which is why prevention is the most important step.
Due to the potential for severe weather associated with Hurricane Milton, all Camden and Glynn County clinics and offices will be closed on Thursday, October 10. Both counties are expected to reopen on Friday, October 11 at the regularly scheduled times.
Boil Water Advisories
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Various private water service companies have issued boil water advisories for several communities across the state, including customers in the Coastal Health District.
Once power is off, the refrigerator keeps food at safely cold temperatures for 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.
If your power is off longer, your food is not safe to eat and should be discarded.
If you own or operate a food service establishment and your facility experienced flooding or an extended power outage, you must close the facility and contact your local Environmental Health office prior to reopening.
Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors and windows.
Install battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
Keep in mind that floodwater often carries germs. If you touch it, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.
Do not allow children to play in any free-flowing, run-off, or floodwater. This water can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals. Floodwater often carries organisms that can cause infections if they get into cuts or scrapes.
Floodwater can also displace insects and reptiles which can be dangerous to people.
Is Your Tetanus Vaccination Up to Date?
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If you’re cleaning up after floodwater or assisting with the recovery, it’s important to be up-to-date on your tetanus vaccine. Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.
The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus booster shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.
Avoid contact with flood waters if you have an open wound. Keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing well with soap and clean water and covering with a waterproof bandage to reduce chance of infection.
You may need a tetanus vaccine if:
It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
You have a puncture wound and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
You have a wound that has come in contact with floodwater and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine, contact your local county health department or your regular healthcare provider.
The cost of tetanus vaccination is covered by most health insurance plans. If you do not have insurance coverage for this vaccine, no-cost options may be available at the health departments of the Coastal Health District.
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Emergency Wound Care After a Disaster
Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards and injuries. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection.
The Coastal Health District urges private well owners to take precautions and disinfect any well that flooded during recent severe weather.
When a well is flooded, the water can become contaminated with bacteria that could cause waterborne illness. Disinfection of a flooded private well cannot begin until the water covering the affected well has receded.
Standing water can bring mosquitoes that carry disease. To avoid mosquito bites when outdoors, use insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow label directions.
Wear long sleeves, pants and socks when you’re outside.
Be sure to drain water from any containers in your yard to eliminate breeding locations for mosquitoes and prevent the spread of illness. Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools and buckets.
Mold Cleanup After a Flood
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Mold will grow where there is moisture, so if your home flooded, you may begin to find mold in your house. The Centers for Disease Control recommends that you clean up and dry out your home fully and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after a flood to reduce the growth of mold. Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried right away.
The Camden County Health Department will offer cancer screenings and no-cost mammograms on October 17th at the clinic at 905 Dilworth Street in St. Marys. Appointments are limited and can be scheduled by calling the health department at 912-882-8515.
Clinical breast exams and cervical cancer screenings will be offered inside the health department, and a mobile mammogram unit will be stationed in the health department’s parking lot from 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. All services, including mammograms, are free for qualifying women aged 40 and older without health insurance. Women with health insurance are also welcome to schedule an appointment, and health insurance will be billed for the services.
“When breast and cervical cancer are found early, treatment can lead to a cure,” said Melissa Perkins, nurse manager of the Camden County Health Department. “But screening is the first step, which is why we want all women in Camden County to have access to these lifesaving services.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in woman after skin cancer. It is estimated about one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.
Early detection is also key for cervical cancer. In early stages, cervical cancer may not cause noticeable signs or symptoms. But cervical cancer is highly treatable when found early through screenings.
For more information about the Camden County Health Department’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, or to schedule an appointment for the event, call the health department at 912-882-8515.
The Coastal Health District reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date as they clean up after recent floods or assist with the recovery.
Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.
The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus booster shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.
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You may need a tetanus booster shot if:
It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
You have a puncture wound and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
You have a wound that has come in contact with floodwater, and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine, contact your local county health department or your regular healthcare provider.
The cost of tetanus vaccination is covered by most health insurance plans. If you do not have insurance coverage for this vaccine, no-cost options may be available at the health departments of the Coastal Health District.
Residents are also reminded to keep kids out of flood water. Flood water can displace insects and reptiles which can be dangerous to people. The water can also be contaminated with bacteria and harmful chemicals. If it’s necessary for you to touch flood water as you clean up, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
As Tropical Storm Debby moves out of our area, the Coastal Health District urges residents to use caution during the cleanup and recovery period. Floodwater and power outages can bring health hazards even after the storm ends.
Food Safety
Many residents lost power during the storm and may be unsure if refrigerated food is still safe. They can follow this simple rule: When in doubt, throw it out.
Once power is off, the refrigerator keeps food at safely cold temperatures for 4 hours, while food in a freezer remains safe for approximately 8 hours. If your power is off longer, your food is not safe to eat and should be discarded.
Do not consume anything that floodwater may have touched. Floodwater can carry disease-causing organisms.
Don’t drive through floodwater – it may be deeper than you think.
Keep in mind that floodwater often carries germs. If you touch it, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.
Do not allow children to play in any free-flowing, run-off, or floodwater. This water can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals. Floodwater often carries organisms that can cause infections if they get into cuts or scrapes.
Protect Yourself from Pests
Standing water can bring mosquitoes that carry disease. To avoid mosquito bites when outdoors, use insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow label directions.
Wear long sleeves, pants and socks when you’re outside.
Tip ‘n Toss containers that hold water to eliminate breeding locations for mosquitoes and prevent the spread of illness. Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools and buckets.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors and windows.
Install battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
After residents have ensured their own household’s health and safety, we encourage everyone to check on their neighbors, especially those who may be elderly or have special needs.
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