Ground Beef Products Sold at Hannafords in New Hampshire Recalled Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Ground beef products sold at Hannafords in New Hampshire and other northeast states have been recalled by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) due to possible contamination with Salmonella Typhimurium. Please read the following press release from the USDA.

(http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_100_2011_Release/index.asp)

Northeastern Grocery Chain Recalls Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

Recall Release	CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-100-2011	HEALTH RISK: HIGH

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Neil Gaffney

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2011 - Hannaford, a Scarborough, Maine-based grocery chain, is recalling an undetermined amount of fresh ground beef products that may be contaminated with a strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The products subject to recall are any size package of the following:

• "73% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"
• "75% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"
• "80% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"
• "85% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"
• "90% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"
• "80% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"
• "85% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"
• "90% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"
• "85% Nature's Place Ground Beef"
• "90% Nature's Place Ground Beef"

This recall was initiated due to concerns about illnesses caused by an outbreak of salmonellosis that may be associated with use and consumption of fresh in-store ground beef prepared in and purchased at Hannaford stores. The PFGE pattern associated with this outbreak is reported rarely in the U.S. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported 14 ill persons with an indistinguishable PFGE pattern, and 11 of those individuals reported consuming ground beef. Seven individuals were hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Ten of the 14 case-patients reported purchasing ground beef at Hannaford stores in Maine, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont between Oct. 12 and Nov. 20. No other product description is available at this time. As a result of on-going epidemiologic and traceback investigations, as well as in-store reviews, FSIS, working with the CDC and its state health partners, determined that there is a link between the Hannaford ground beef products and this illness outbreak. FSIS is continuing to work with CDC, public health partners in the affected states and the company on the investigation. FSIS will continue to provide information as it becomes available.

The various ground beef packages bear sell-by dates of Dec. 17, 2011 or earlier and were sold at Hannaford stores throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers' freezers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS' website at: www.fsis.usda.gov/FSIS_Recalls
/Open_Federal_Cases/index.asp.

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium has initially tested resistant to multiple commonly prescribed antibiotics, including drug classes such as beta-lactams, aminoglycosides, and cephalosporins. Additional information on drug resistance will be made public as it becomes available.

Based on an examination of Hannaford's limited records, FSIS was unable to determine responsible suppliers. FSIS recently identified this problem at the retail level and is pursuing rulemaking to address the concern. This recall is being issued as part of a continuing investigation. FSIS has not yet been able to identify FSIS-regulated suppliers of raw beef ground at Hannaford Stores related to the outbreak that could be subject to recall action.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or those undergoing chemotherapy. The most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a health care provider.

FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160° F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature.

Customers who have questions are encouraged to call the Hannaford Customer Information Center, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at (800) 213-9040, and choose option 6. Media with questions regarding the recall can contact the company's Director of Corporate Communications, Michael Norton, at (207) 885-3132.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day. 

#

NH DHHS press release (11.21.11) "Food Safety Tips for the Holiday Season"

The following is taken from: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/media/pr/11182011food.htm

Food Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

 

Contact:
Public Information Office
(603) 271-9391

Food Protection Section

Publish Date: November 18, 2011

Concord, NH – During this busy holiday season, the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Bureau of Food Protection wants to remind everyone to follow some important food safety practices to avoid foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 48 million cases of illness, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths occurred in 2011 in the United States due to foodborne diseases. Symptoms can vary depending on the illness, but some common symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and nausea. It is difficult to say with certainty which microbe is causing a given illness without laboratory testing.

“Don’t let germs ruin your holiday activities by not taking proper precautions against foodborne disease,” said Dr. José Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS. “There are simple tips for safe food preparation that we should all be following every day, not just at holidays, but large gatherings and people cooking outside their comfort zone can present an opportunity for bacteria to be introduced into our food.”

The following simple precautions should always be followed by cooks and food handlers to reduce the possibility of anyone becoming sick:

• Separate: Use a separate cutting board for cooked foods and raw foods and always wash them after use. Do no cut raw vegetables on the same cutting board as raw meat. Avoid cross contamination. Wash any utensil after preparing one food item before going on to the next item.

• Clean: Always wash hands before touching any food. Wash hands and surfaces often during food preparation and afterward.

• Cook: Make sure all meats are thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer: turkey, stuffing, and casseroles to 165ºF; veal, beef, and lamb roasts to 145ºF; and ham, pork, ground beef, and egg dishes to 160ºF. When reheating, leftovers should be thoroughly heated to 165ºF.

• Chill: Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours. The refrigerator should be maintained at 40ºF or lower and the freezer should be at 0ºF or lower. Keep hot foods hot, 140ºF or hotter, and cold foods cold, 40ºF or below. Never defrost food at room temperature. Thaw food in the refrigerator, in a cold-water bath, or in the microwave. When using a microwave, meat must be cooked immediately after. Marinate foods in the refrigerator.

• Report: Report suspected foodborne illnesses to the NH Department of Health and Human Services by calling 603-271-4496. Often calls from concerned citizens are how outbreaks are first detected. If a public health official calls you to talk about an outbreak your cooperation is important, even if you are not ill.

For more information visit www.usda.gov, www.cdc.gov, www.befoodsafe.org, or www.dhhs.nh.gov.

Join NH's volunteer system ESAR-VHP!

 
This information is provided by the NH Department of Health and Human Services.

http://icanhelp.nh.gov

The New Hampshire ESAR-VHP System is an electronic database of healthcare personnel and non-healthcare personnel who have indicated their interest in volunteering to provide aid in an emergency. The ESAR-VHP System:

1. registers healthcare volunteers and non-healthcare volunteers,
2. applies emergency credentialing standards to registered volunteers, and
3. allows for the verification of the identity, credentials, and qualifications of registered volunteers in an emergency.

Registered Volunteers are not required to respond to a request. Volunteers decide at the time of a request whether or not they can respond.

Importance of the ESAR-VHP Program

Experience has shown that, in an emergency, many of our nation’s health and medical providers are eager and willing to volunteer their professional health services. To meet the extraordinary demands of a large scale emergency, hospitals and other providers of healthcare will depend upon the services that health volunteers can provide. However, in a time of emergency, utilizing the capabilities of the nation’s health volunteers presents a major challenge to hospital, public health, and emergency authorities.

Immediately after the attacks on September 11, 2001, tens of thousands of people spontaneously showed up at ground zero in New York City to volunteer their assistance. A large number of these volunteers arrived to provide medical assistance to the victims of the attacks. In most cases, authorities were unable to distinguish those that were qualified from those that were not qualified, though well intentioned. Additionally, because the response was unsolicited and there was no mechanism of coordination, those that presented themselves reduced the effectiveness of the overall response effort rather than helping. The goal of the ESAR-VHP program is to eliminate a number of the significant problems encountered when seeking to utilize medical and healthcare volunteers in a complex emergency response situation.

The ESAR-VHP System is a National System Through State Coordination

The ESAR-VHP program is a State-based approach to establishing a national system. Every State independently develops, maintains, and operates an ESAR-VHP System. This effort is being funded through a federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the  Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response: The National Hospital Preparedness Program. This system for mutual assistance is developed through common definitions, standards, and protocols. In this way, the States’ ESAR-VHP Systems will form a critical network to facilitate the deployment of willing, needed, and qualified health volunteers for any emergency.

The ESAR-VHP Systems are created in accordance with formal incident command and emergency protocols with proper authorities responsible for the coordination of health volunteers. NH ESAR-VHP is part of the NH Medical Reserve Corps System. Volunteers' contact information may be shared with preparedness and response partners in NH.

To sign up now to be part of the ESAR-VHP system, please visit http://icanhelp.nh.gov

FEMA Press Release: FEMA, FCC Announce Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

The following is taken verbatim from http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=55722

FEMA, FCC Announce Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

Similar to local Emergency Alert System Tests, this Test is Scheduled to Take Place on November 9, 2011

Release Date: June 9, 2011
Release Number: HQ-11-099

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. eastern standard time and may last up to three and a half minutes.

The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies.  NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts. 

Similar to local EAS tests that are already conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

On November 9, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help the federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.

"A national test of our Emergency Alert System, with the vital communications support and involvement of participants, is a step towards ensuring that the alert and warning community is prepared to deliver critical information that can help save lives and protect property," said Damon Penn, FEMA's Assistant Administrator of National Continuity Programs. "Because there has never been an activation of the Emergency Alert System on a national level, FEMA views this test as an excellent opportunity to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system.  It is important to remember that this is not a pass or fail test, but a chance to establish a baseline for making incremental improvements to the Emergency Alert System with ongoing and future testing.  It is also important to remember that the Emergency Alert System is one of many tools in our communications toolbox, and we will continue to work on additional channels that can be a lifeline of information for people during an emergency."

"The upcoming national test is critical to ensuring that the EAS works as designed," said Jamie Barnett, Chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau.  "As recent disasters here at home and in Japan have reminded us, a reliable and effective emergency alert and warning system is key to ensuring the public's safety during times of emergency.  We look forward to working with FEMA in preparation for this important test."

Over the past two years and as part of ongoing national preparedness planning efforts, FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, Emergency Alert System participants and other stakeholders have been working toward making this test a reality. 

As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses.  Anyone can visit http://www.ready.gov/ for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

October 29 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is tomorrow, Saturday October 29. There will be multiple collection sites around the Monadnock region where people can drop off unwanted or unused medications at no charge. Currently Keene, Swanzey, Chesterfield, Dublin, Antrim, Peterborough, Fitzwilliam, and Marlborough Police Departments have registered for the event. To find a collection site near you, click here http://1.usa.gov/sdydLq

Properly disposing of unused and unwanted medications is an important public health issue. The following is a quote from the Drug Enforcement Administration's Office of Diversion Control.

"National Prescription Drug Take Back Day addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health.  Each day, approximately, 2,500 teens use prescription drugs to get high for the first time according to the Partnership for a Drug Free America.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including the home medicine cabinet."

To learn more about Prescription Drug Take Back Day please visit http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/

10/19/2011 Press Release: GMPHN Encourages Monadnock Residents to Sign Up for Free Emergency Alerts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 19, 2011

Contact:

Amanda N. Gaspard, MPH, CHEP

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Regional SNS Coordinator

Greater Monadnock Public Health Network

Office: 603-354-5454 Ext. 3030

Email: agaspard@cheshire-med.com 

Website: http://co.cheshire.nh.us/PublicHealth/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ReadyMonadnock

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreaterMonadnockPublicHealthNetwork

Blog: http://greatermonadnockpublichealthnetwork.blogspot.com/

GMPHN Encourages Monadnock Residents to Sign Up for Free Emergency Alerts

KEENE, NH, 10/19/11 — The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network (GMPHN) is now using a free electronic messaging system called Nixle which allows direct communication with people who sign up to receive alerts via text message and/or email. Nixle is a trusted entity that has been endorsed by the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, the Council of State Governments, the FBI, etc. Nixle is a free service (however standard text messaging rates do apply).

The GMPHN started utilizing Nixle during Hurricane Irene to inform Monadnock residents about flood warnings in the region. The GMPHN encourages all Monadnock residents to sign up for Nixle so they can receive alerts about disasters or other conditions in the area (such as a tornado warning, public health emergency, shelters opened during a snow storm, etc.)

To sign up for text messages alerts, simply text the word GMPHN to 888777.

Monadnock residents who want to receive both emails and text message alerts can register securely at no charge by visiting www.nixle.com. Click on “Sign Up Free!” and go through the simple steps to register. Once you create an account, you may select additional zip codes if you want to receive emergency alerts from other municipalities or states.

Monadnock residents can also view GMPHN alerts and advisories online at: http://local.nixle.com/greater-monadnock-public-health-network/

The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network is one of 15 public health networks in New Hampshire. It is housed by Cheshire Medical Center / Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene and is financed through Cheshire County via a grant by the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health Services, with funds provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

After the September 11^th attacks, state and local officials realized the need for a more robust public health system in New Hampshire. The public health networks strive to enhance and improve public health-related services by increasing collaboration and planning across municipal boundaries and the health and safety sectors. The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network consists of representatives from each of the 33 municipalities in the Monadnock region as well as representatives from regional organizations which provide for the public’s health and safety.

For more information contact Amanda Gaspard at agaspard@cheshire-med.com or 603-354-5454 Ext. 3030.

 –  END – 

Unveiling Ceremony of Permanent Drop Box for Unwanted Medications on 09/22/2011

The unveiling ceremony of the permanent disposal drop box for unwanted medications was held on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at the Keene Police Department, 400 Marlborough Street, Keene, NH 03431. Below is a picture of the new drop box, as well as parameters for disposal.

For more pictures from the unveiling ceremony visit http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.222646171124251.54996.163545367034332

Below is the press release from the Keene Police Department:

        City of Keene

              

Police Department   400 Marlboro Street   New Hampshire 03431

PRESS RELEASE

Prescription Drug Medication Drop Box

September 21, 2011

In partnership with Monadnock Voices for Prevention, Cheshire County, the Rotary Club of Keene-Elm City, Hoik Advertising, and Budget Blinds, the Keene Police Department is pleased to announce the opening of the first permanent disposal location for unused, unwanted and expired medications in Cheshire County.

The drop box is located in the lobby of the Keene Police Department and will be available for use to the public 24 hours a day, opening officially for use at 9:00 am on Thursday, September 22^nd following a brief press conference.

Guidelines for use and what is accepted for disposal in the box are attached.

For more information on safe medication disposal, please visit the Monadnock Voices web site:      http://www.monadnockvoices.org/takeback.home.html

How to Help People with Special Needs or In-Home Care Needs Be Ready for an Emergency

If someone needs special assistance in an emergency, you should have a plan. Here are some things to consider:

v    Tell your local fire department or Emergency Management Director (EMD) about their special needs. Some towns have a registry where people who may need help during a disaster can list their names and contact info. The town will then be able to contact these individuals during an emergency to make sure they are fine, or help them if they need assistance.

v    Talk with a care provider (such as a physician or primary care provider) about what should be done in an emergency. If the person with special needs has a visiting nurse or home healthcare aide, you should also talk with them about a plan.

v    Identify a neighbor or family member who can help if a care provider cannot get to them during the emergency. In New Hampshire, where we frequently have snow storms, there may be times when a visiting nurse cannot reach a client because the roads are blocked or closed, trees and electrical wires may be down, etc. This can also be the case for an ice storm, a natural disaster such as the recent Hurricane Irene, etc. Therefore it is very important that you have a back-up plan if the visiting nurse or home healthcare aide cannot reach the person with special needs.

You may not have a family member with special needs, but one of your neighbors may. Consider helping neighbors who may have special needs or would require assistance during a disaster. It can be several days before help from the state or federal government arrives during a disaster, so helping your neighbors can make a big difference!

How to Create a Family Evacuation Plan

In some types of emergencies you may need to quickly leave your house, or your neighborhood may be evacuated. You and your loved ones will be better prepared during a disaster if you have already created a family evacuation plan.

Your family evacuation plan should include:

1) The best exits out of your home

2) A predetermined meeting place (either in your neighborhood or close by but out of harm’s way)

3) Local radio station frequency to listen for updates

4) A plan for pets in case you need to evacuate (we will write more in an upcoming post about how to create a plan for pets)

 5) The location of your grab-and-go bag, family communications plan, first aid kit, etc.

Make sure all members of your household are familiar with your family evacuation plan.

If you think your town or neighborhood might need to be evacuated, listen to the radio for more information. You should also subscribe to receive free Nixle text message alerts. To sign up for free text messages alerts, simply text the word GMPHN to 888777. You will then receive all alerts during emergencies affecting the Monadnock region. (Please note: standard text message rates do apply.)

Information for this blog post was collected from www.ready.gov and the NH “Preparing for an Emergency: The Smart Thing to Do” brochure

How to Design a Family Communications Plan

It is very important for you to design a family communications plan before a disaster strikes. If you become separated from your family, this communications plan will help you to reconnect with your loved ones.

Your family communications plan should include:

1) An emergency contact in your local area

2) A contact out-of-state in case the emergency affects your local contact

3) A neighborhood meeting place, where you can reunite with your family members in case you get separated.

You should write this information on a 3 x 5 card and give copies to all family members to keep with them. Make sure everyone in your family is familiar with this plan.

Please remember that during an emergency, cell phone lines can become “jammed” because of the increased amount of traffic on the airwaves. FEMA recommends that if you have trouble making phone calls, use text messaging (SMS) instead. You are much more likely to reach your family member with text messaging than over a cell phone call when the airwaves are busy.

If you do become separated from your family, another way to reconnect is using the Red Cross Safe and Well website http://www.redcross.org/safeandwell. You can register yourself as “Safe and Well” so people looking for you will know you are alive. Also, if you are searching for a loved one or friend, you can search registrants to see if they are safe and well. You may want to include the Red Cross Safe and Well website on your 3 x 5 family communications plan card.

Information for this blog post was collected from www.ready.gov and the NH “Preparing for an Emergency: The Smart Thing to Do” brochure

How to Create a Grab-and-Go-Bag and Car Emergency Kit

In some types of emergencies you may need to quickly leave your house, or your neighborhood may be evacuated. You can be prepared by having a grab-and-go bag and a car emergency kit.

Your grab-and-go bag should include items such as:

• One day’s clothing and shoes for each family member
• Personal care products (toothbrush, feminine hygiene products, diapers, etc.)
• Towels
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Flashlight (preferably hand-crank or solar). If you are using a battery powered-flashlight, be sure to have extra batteries.
• Granola bars/trail mix
• An extra set of car keys
• Cash
• A prepaid phone card
• Copies of important documents (medical and prescription information, passports, birth certificates, driver’s license, insurance papers, bank account information, etc.).

If you have to leave your home quickly, don’t forget your prescription medications, eyeglasses and/or hearing aids.

If you have a car, be sure to keep your gas tank filled above halfway. In an emergency you may not be able to get fuel.

Your car emergency kit should include items such as:

• Bottled water
• Food (granola/energy bars)
• First aid kit
• White distress flag
• Flashlight (preferably hand-crank or solar). If you are using a battery powered-flashlight, be sure to have extra batteries.
• Flares/light sticks
• Blanket or sleeping bag
• Emergency reflective blanket
• Jumper cables
• Tire jack and spare tire
• Fix-a-flat
• Shovel
• Maps

Information for this blog post was collected from www.ready.gov and the NH “Preparing for an Emergency: The Smart Thing to Do” brochure

How to Make a Home Emergency Kit

September is National Preparedness Month! The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network is encouraging everyone to make sure they are prepared for an emergency. Over the next few days, we'll be posting information about how you and your family can be ready for an emergency by taking a few simple steps, including 1) making a home emergency kit, 2) creating a grab-and-go bag and a car emergency kit in the event you need to leave your house quickly, 3) designing a family communications plan, and 4) creating a family evacuation plan.

During a disaster, it can be several days before help from the state or federal government arrives, so it is very important that people are prepared to take care of themselves for the first few days.

Today we’re sharing information on what should be included in your home emergency kit, in the event you need to “shelter in place” or stay in your home for an extended period of time.

Your home emergency kit should include:

• 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least three days
• A 3-day supply of food (canned, dried or non-perishable)
• Non-electric can opener
• Battery-powered / hand-crank / solar radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert capabilities
• Flashlight (preferably hand-crank or solar)
• Battery-powered lantern
• ABC-type fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Moist towelettes
• Garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Prescription medications
• Wired telephone (not cordless)
• If you have an infant: 3-day supply of baby food and formula

Stay tuned for more emergency preparedness tips!

Information for this blog post was collected from www.ready.gov and the NH “Preparing for an Emergency: The Smart Thing to Do” brochure

Movie "Contagion" Opens During National Preparedness Month

The movie Contagion opens today. "Warner Bros. Pictures feature film, Contagion, fictionalizes the world’s emergency response to a novel respiratory disease outbreak. The movie, partially filmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Headquarters in Atlanta, follows the process to investigate and respond to the unfolding outbreak. CDC’s work and professionals are prominently depicted by major actors in the film." (Quotation from http://www.cdcfoundation.org/content/how-cdc-saves-lives-controlling-real-global-disease-outbreaks)

Do you want to learn more about how the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention track emerging infectious diseases and combat outbreaks? There are several websites you can visit to learn more.

• Contagion official website — Directed by Steven Soderbergh, the movie stars Kate Winslet, Matt Damon, Jude Law, Marion Cotillard, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Lawrence Fishburne
• Contagion and CDC — A website created by the CDC Foundation to help separate fact from fiction and to highlight CDC’s role in preparedness and response
• CDC 24/7 — A CDC website that includes information you may find useful on how public health protects Americans from outbreaks
  

Additionally, you can visit the following websites:

• CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response Site: http://emergency.cdc.gov/
• Emergency Preparedness for You Site: http://emergency.cdc.gov/preparedness/
• Flu Prevention information from the CDC: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

NH DHHS press release (09.08.11) "DHHS Issues Food Safety Advice Regarding Flooded Crops"

Source: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/media/pr/09082011crops.htm

Contact:

Public Information Office

(603) 271-4051

Twitter: NHDHHSPIO

Publish Date:

September 8, 2011

Concord, NH - In conjunction with the NH Department of Agriculture which advised farmers to destroy or discard all crops with edible portions that have come in contact with flood waters after Tropical Storm Irene, the NH Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services is advising people with home gardens that were flooded to follow U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance.

The FDA guidance includes the following information: “If the edible portion of a crop is exposed to flood waters, it is considered adulterated and should not enter the human food channels. There is no practical method of reconditioning the edible portion of a crop that will provide a reasonable assurance of human food safety. The FDA recommends that these crops be disposed of in a manner that ensures they are kept separate from crops that have not been flood damaged to avoid adulterating ‘clean’ crops. In addition, crops and other food commodities exposed to flood waters would not be acceptable for use in animal feed.”

Flood waters, from rivers or streams that have overflowed their banks, are likely to contain contaminants. These may come from upstream farms and rural septic systems, urban lawns and roadways, industrial sites, or overflow from municipal sewage systems and may include raw manure or feces, agricultural chemicals, heavy metals or other chemical contaminants. Microbial pathogens that could be in floodwaters include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Situations where normal pooling of water has occurred from heavy rains, rather than flowing water, are typically not a concern.

“It is best not to take any chances with illness around contaminated food and to reduce such risk when feasible,” said Dr. José Montero, DPHS Director. “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Destroy or discard all crops with edible portions that have come into contact with flood waters.
Discarding of crops in proximity to, or exposed to, a lesser degree of flooding but where the edible portion of the crop has NOT come in contact with flood waters may need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Grains and similar products stored in bulk can also be damaged by flood waters. These flood-damaged products should not be used for human or animal food. Fresh fruits and vegetables that have been inundated by flood waters cannot be adequately cleaned and should be destroyed.

State Agricultural Commissioner, Lorraine Merrill said, “We encourage home gardeners to utilize information resources available to them such as the University of New Hampshire’s Cooperative Extension Education Center and Info Line. Home gardeners can get tips on garden clean up and preparing the site for next year—1-877-EXT-GROW or answers@unh.edu.”

For more information visit the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/Food/FoodDefense/Emergencies/FloodsHurricanesPowerOutages/ucm112723.htm, the Division of Public Health Services at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/fp/index.htm, and the NH Department of Agriculture at www.nh.gov/agric/index.htm.

Flood Warning for Cheshire County

There is a flood warning in effect for Cheshire County, NH, until 1:30 PM today. The following is from the National Weather Service:

"A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported. Stream rises will be slow and flash flooding is not expected. However, all interested parties should take necessary precautions immediately…..Excessive runoff from heavy rainfall will cause elevated levels on small creeks and streams, and ponding of water on country roads and farmland along the banks of creeks and streams."

Please see www.weather.gov for more information.

 

NH DHHS press release (09.02.11) "DHHS Urges Residents to Continue Precautions in Irene’s Aftermath"

Source: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/media/pr/09012011hurricane.htm

Contact:

Public Information Office

(603) 271-4051

Twitter: NHDHHSPIO

Publish Date:

September 1, 2011

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services, reminds all Granite Staters that while some people remain without power and because of flooding in the State it is important to continue to be vigilant about prevention of illness and injury.

Food Safety in Restaurants

Some food establishments have been without power at some point because of the storm. Food establishments are reminded that they should cease operation and contact the Food Protection Section when they have experienced a disruption of water service or interruption of electrical service for longer than 2 hours, have a contaminated water supply or failed sewer system, or experience flooding in the establishment or any other event that could result in contamination of the establishment or the food supply. The Food Protection Section will approve the resumption of operations when an imminent health threat no longer exists or when the establishment has offered a plan to mitigate all threats to health and safety. Retail establishments with questions about safe food handling during a power outage or flood can get a copy of the Emergency Action Plan at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/fp/documents/emergency/pdf. Consumers or establishments can reach the Food Protection Section at 603-271-4589.

Well Water Safety

If you have a private well that was flooded because of Tropical Storm Irene, it needs to be tested and disinfected before it is safe to use the water again. Heavy precipitation tends to mobilize bacteria and thus highlight conditions of poor well construction. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) urges all private well owners whose well has been flooded to boil their water for drinking and to have their well water quality tested after the floodwaters have receded. Make sure your drinking water is safe by disinfecting and testing your wells after the floodwaters recede:

• To request a test container from the DES Laboratory (www2.des.nh.gov/OneStop/Homeowner_Container_Request.asp), please contact 271-3445.

• For information on disinfection of private wells, please go to Disinfecting A Private Well (DES Fact Sheet; http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/dwgb/documents/dwgb-4-11.pdf).

West Nile Virus and EEE

Mosquitoes need standing water to breed and flood waters can provide the perfect habitat.

Infected mosquitoes can spread West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to people by biting them. Residents are asked to be sure to eliminate standing water left over from rain or flooding on their property, such as in tires, flowerpots, bird baths, and gutters. Also be sure to wear an insect repellent used according to manufacturer’s directions if you are outside and mosquitoes are biting. WNV/EEE season lasts until at least the first hard frost across the State.

Asthma and Mold

The recent impact of tropical storm Irene has left many homes with water related damage that can have an impact on health. Flooding can affect asthma and other respiratory diseases. The resultant moisture, dampness and mold in homes and other private and public buildings can result in poor indoor air quality and may make asthma and other respiratory illnesses worse. For more information visit: www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/, www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm,

www.epa.gov/iedmold1/moldguide.html and http://nchh.org/Portals/0/Contents/FloodCleanupGuide_screen_.pdf . For more information related to Tropical Storm Irene visit www.nh.gov/readynh. For FEMA Disaster Assistance call 1-800-621-3362. For general flood insurance questions call the NH Insurance Department at 1-800-852-3416. To report damage call 211.

Flood Warning for Connecticut River

The following is a quote from the National Weather Service (www.weather.gov) dated Sunday, 08-28-11

"The NWS in Taunton, MA, has issued a flood warning for the Connecticut River at North Walpole [New Hampshire] from Monday morning to Tuesday afternoon, or until the warning is cancelled. At 2:30 PM Sunday [08-28-11] the stage was 18.5 feet. Flood stage is 28.0 feet. Moderate flooding is forecast. Forecast, rise above flood stage by late tomorrow morning [08-29-11] and continue to rise to near 33.5 feet by tomorrow evening. The river will fall below flood stage by late Tuesday morning. Impact, at 35.0 feet, this is a life threatening flood event. Interests along the river from Walpole to Hinsdale will experience flooding. Should evacuations be needed, act quickly and head for higher ground. Some roadways bordering the river may become impassable. Know your alternate routes and follow detours to avoid flooded areas."

See http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=NHZ011&warncounty=NHC005&firewxzone=NHZ011&local_place1=Hinsdale+NH&product1=Flood+Warning for more information.

Hurricane Irene - Update 08-28-11 at 6:07 PM

The Hinsdale High School shelter has been closed as of 6:00 PM this evening 8-28-11.

There have been multiple road closures in the Monadnock region due to downed trees and power lines. For regular updates please see our Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/ReadyMonadnock

The Keene evacuation order has been lifted.

Cheshire County and western Hillsborough County continue to be under a Flood Warning until 1:45 AM tomorrow morning (8-29-11). However, this flood warning has already been extended once by the National Weather Service, and could be extended again so please stay tuned to their website at www.weather.gov

Hurricane Irene - Update 08-28-11 at 10:48 AM

The following are road closures or restricted access to roads at this time (08-28-11 at 10:48 AM):

Ralston Street in Keene (from Winchester Street to Davis Street) is closed due to storm drains being unable to drain.

NH Route 47 in Francestown (from Francestown Center to 1/2 mile from Bennington) is closed due to downed power lines.

West Hill Road in Troy has restricted access (from 400 West to the end) because trees and wires are down.

Field Road in Peterborough is closed due to trees and wires down.

Chapman Road in Keene is closed due to a tree across the road.

High Street in Peterborough (from 100 High to 341 High) is closed due to a tree across the road. No wires involved.

Route 136 in Peterborough (from Gulf Road to Burke Road) is closed due to trees and live wires being down.

NH Route 124 at the Jaffrey - Sharon line has one lane closed due to a tree down on the road.

West Shore Road in Swanzey has restricted access due to live wires on tree.

Old Dublin Road in Peterborough (from Rt 101 to Four Winds Farm Road) is closed due to wires being down.

Hurricane Irene - Update 08-27-11 at 8:43 PM

There is now a shelter open at Hinsdale High School. Pets are not accepted. People coming to spend the night at the shelter should bring their own bedding.

Keene Rec Center is also open as a shelter. Pets are accepted but owners are to bring crates to put their animals in. Pets will be placed in an area separate from shelter residents.

Please continue to monitor the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov and the National Hurricane Center at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/. Additionally, www.weather.com is a good resource for information.

Hurricane Irene - Update 08-27-11 at 1:36 PM

This blog will be updated as more information becomes available.

Update as of 08-27-11 at 1:36 PM

The Keene Rec Center (312 Washington Street) will be opening as a shelter this evening Saturday August 27 at 6:00 PM in advance of Hurricane Irene impacting New Hampshire. This shelter will accept pets, but owners should bring a pet crate for their animals. Pets will be kept in an area separate from shelter residents.

According to National Weather Service officials, the storm is expected to enter New Hampshire on Sunday earlier than previously expected. Please stay tuned to www.weather.gov for updates.

NH DHHS press release (08.26.11) "DHHS Reminds Residents of Health Precautions to Take During and After a Hurricane"

Source: http://www.dhhs.nh.gov/media/pr/08262011hurricane.htm

Contact:
Public Information Office
(603) 271-6526
Twitter: NHDHHSPIO

 

Publish Date:
August 26, 2011

Concord, NH – Hurricane Irene is heading up the Eastern seaboard and there is a good possibility it will impact New Hampshire with strong winds, heavy rain, and power outages. The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Public Health Services is urging residents to prepare and to take precautions against certain public health risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning, contaminated water, and spoiled food.

“While it is a little difficult at this point to know exactly how bad the storm will be,” said Dr. José Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS, “people should prepare now just in case. Part of preparing should include knowing how to avoid potential hazards related to downed power lines, lack of electricity, and contaminated water.”

Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas emitted when fuels are burned, such as wood, propane, and natural gas. The more common symptoms can include dizziness, headache, blurred vision, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, nausea, and confusion. Extended exposure can result in death. If there is a power outage, do not bring outdoor cooking or heating units indoors, such as grills or portable fireplaces.

For an extended power outage, food safety is an issue. DHHS recommends taking the following steps during and after a weather emergency:
• Never taste food to determine if it is safe
• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature
• The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) and the door remains closed
• Food can be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below
• Get block ice or dry ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for an extended period of time
• Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power.

Storm water can carry sewage, chemicals, germs, and fuel. DHHS reminds people to take care and keep the following in mind in dealing with flooding:
• Avoid floodwater and flooded areas. Wear protection if you must travel through water that is part of a flood.
• If you use well water and your well has been flooded, make sure the well is tested and disinfected before using water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula
• Disinfect any items that come in contact with floodwater. Use ¼ cup of bleach per gallon of water as a disinfectant
• Remember that moisture accelerates mold growth, which can cause disease and allergic reactions. Remove standing water and wet items from indoors as soon as possible

DHHS will provide additional updates as new information becomes available. For more information on preparing for a hurricane, visit www.nh.gov/readynh. For more information about carbon monoxide safety, visit the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services’ website at:

 http://www.des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/air/pehb/ehs/iaqp/carbon_monoxide.htm or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov/co/default.htm. Questions about testing or disinfecting water should be directed to your local health department or to the Division of Public Health Services at 603-271-4496. For further information about food safety, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/foodwater/facts.asp or call the DHHS Food Protection Section at 603-271-4589.

08/25/11 Press Release: GMPHN Urges Monadnock Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Irene

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 25, 2011

Contact:

Amanda N. Gaspard, MPH

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Regional SNS Coordinator

Greater Monadnock Public Health Network

Office: 603-354-5454 Ext. 3030

Email: agaspard@cheshire-med.com 

Website: http://co.cheshire.nh.us/PublicHealth/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/ReadyMonadnock

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreaterMonadnockPublicHealthNetwork

Blog: http://greatermonadnockpublichealthnetwork.blogspot.com/

GMPHN Urges Monadnock Residents to Prepare for Hurricane Irene

KEENE, NH, 08/25/11 — The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network is urging Monadnock residents to prepare for Hurricane Irene. All households should have a home emergency kit, a grab-and-go bag in the event you need to leave your house quickly, a family communications plan, and a family evacuation plan. It only takes a few minutes to create these plans and put together an emergency kit, but these simple actions can help save lives during a disaster. During a disaster, it can be several days before help from the state or federal government arrives, so it is very important that people are prepared to take care of themselves for the first few days.

Your home emergency kit should include one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, a three-day supply of food (canned, dried or non-perishable), a non-electric can opener, battery-powered / hand-crank / solar radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert capabilities, ABC-type fire extinguisher, flashlight (preferably hand-crank or solar), battery-powered lantern, first aid kit, whistle to signal for help, moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation, wrench or pliers to turn off utilities, etc.

Your grab-and-go bag should include items such as one day’s clothing and shoes for each family member, personal care products (toothbrush, feminine hygiene products, diapers, etc.), towels, blankets or sleeping bags, flashlights and extra batteries, granola bars/trail mix, an extra set of car keys, cash, a prepaid phone card, and copies of important documents (medical and prescription information, passports, birth certificates, driver’s license, insurance papers, bank account information, etc.). If you have to leave your home quickly, don’t forget your prescription medications, eyeglasses and/or hearing aids.

Your family communications plan should include 1) an emergency contact in your local area; 2) a contact out-of-state in case the emergency affects your local contact; and 3) a neighborhood meeting place. You should write this information on a 3 x 5 card and give copies to all family members to keep with them.

Make sure all members of your household are familiar with your family evacuation plan. Everyone should know: 1) the best exits out of your home; 2) a predetermined meeting place (either in your neighborhood or close by but out of harm’s way); 3) local radio station frequency to listen for updates; 4) a plan for pets in case you need to evacuate, and 5) the location of your grab-and-go bag, family communications plan, first aid kit, etc.

For more information about how to be prepared before a disaster and additional items to include in your emergency kit, please visit www.ready.gov. To learn what to do before, during and after a hurricane, visit http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm. The National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov will provide up-to-date information about Hurricane Irene. Visit http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html for more information on how to prepare for your pets during an emergency and to download a Community Pet Preparedness Toolkit.

For regional updates, visit the GMPHN’s social media sites:

http://greatermonadnockpublichealthnetwork.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/ReadyMonadnock

www.facebook.com/GreaterMonadnockPublicHealthNetwork

The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network is one of 15 public health networks in New Hampshire. It is housed by Cheshire Medical Center / Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene and is financed through Cheshire County via a grant by the New Hampshire Department of Health & Human Services, Division of Public Health Services, with funds provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

After the September 11^th attacks, state and local officials realized the need for a more robust public health system in New Hampshire. The public health networks strive to enhance and improve public health-related services by increasing collaboration and planning across municipal boundaries and the health and safety sectors. The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network consists of representatives from each of the 33 municipalities in the Monadnock region as well as representatives from regional organizations which provide for the public’s health and safety.

For more information contact Amanda Gaspard at agaspard@cheshire-med.com or 603-354-5454 Ext. 3030.

 –  END –