WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT

BEFORE AN OUTAGE

• Organize your freezer by grouping packages together so they will retain the cold more effectively.
• Keep meat and poultry items separated from other foods so if they begin to thaw, their juices will not contaminate other items.
• Obtain an appliance thermometer to keep in the freezer.
• If you have advanced notice of an outage lasting more than 4 hours,  move foods that must be refrigerated into the freezer as space will allow.

DURING AN OUTAGE

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed.
• Do not place hot or room temperature food in the refrigerator once the power has gone out. It will raise the temperature inside the unit.
• Any foods that were prepared prior to the power outage that were not rapidly cooled should be discarded.
• Use block ice or bagged ice for supplemental cooling.

AFTER AN OUTAGE

• All potentially hazardous foods must be evaluated for proper temperatures.
• Bacteria can rapidly multiply on foods such as meat or poultry that have been at room temperature for more than two hours.
• If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If thermometer reads 40 degrees or below, food is safe to refreeze or cook.
• Discard any perishable food in the refrigerator that has been above 40 degrees for 2 hours or more. 

TAKE IT OUTSIDE. NEVER USE A GENERATOR INDOORS.

•  Be sure the needs of the device (electric load) is supported by your generator and does not exceed the manufacturers specifications.
• Position your generator where its exhaust can vent safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Only use extension cords that are properly sized for an individual generator's electric to prevent overheating.
• Keep cords out of high traffic areas so they don't present a tripping hazard.
• Never run cords under rugs or carpets where heat can be generated or where damage to a cord may go unnoticed.

PERMANENT GENERATOR SAFETY

• Installation requires a licensed electric contractor or other qualified professional.
• Ensure electricity from your generator does not flow or "backfeed" into PG&E's power lines. The most common way to avoid this is to install a double pole, double throw transfer switch. Any additions or adjustments to your house wiring should be inspected by the building department. Once installation is complete, call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to let them know about your backup system so they are aware of your generator when working on an outage in your area

 STAY COOL

• Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.
• Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours.
• Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
• Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
• Avoid Hot and Heavy Meals: They add heat to your body!
• Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open.
• Take Frequent Breaks: If you must work outdoors.
• Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. Start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get to a cool area and rest.

STAY HYDRATED

• Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
• Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.

RATTLESNAKE SAFETY

• If you see a rattlesnake, STOP and keep your distance.
• NEVER attempt to move or harm a rattlesnake.
• Give snakes space and time to move away from you.
• Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see. Rattlesnakes blend in with their environment.
• Be sure to look for snakes in areas of high brush, under logs, and when stepping over fallen trees.
• Step ON logs and rocks, never over them, and be especially careful when climbing rocks or gathering firewood.
• If you do happen across a rattlesnake during a hike, stop immediately and try to be very still. Make sure to pull your dog close to you with the leash. Slowly and calmly walk backwards until you and your dog are out of striking distance. Once you’re at a safe distance away from the rattlesnake, leave the area.
• If hiking, wear boots and long pants to protect from rattlesnake venom.
• Do not go barefoot or wear sandals when walking through habitat areas, or when playing in areas where there could be rattlesnakes.
• Freshly killed rattlesnakes can still inject venom.

• Microchip your pet: Pets that are unidentifiable during and after disasters are less likely to be reunited with their owners. Also, make sure your pet wears a collar with a rabies and/or identification tag at all times.
• Include these items in your pet’s emergency kit along with a current photo of your pet.
  • Store food and water: Keep at least seven days of food in an air-tight, water-proof container. Store at least seven days of water specifically for your pets, in addition to the water you need for yourself and your family. Rotate the food and water with your pet’s normal routine to keep supplies fresh.
  • Have sanitation supplies: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
  • Stock preparedness supplies: Pets get injured during disasters too, so include a pet first aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
  • Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a water-proof container.
  • Get trained: Get trained! Enroll in a class to learn pet first aid or learn to become a disaster volunteer. Participate in community events to promote disaster preparedness and spread the word!
  • Keep clothing and bedding on hand: Include a crate or other pet carrier, so that you can evacuate with your pet. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
  • Create and practice your pet emergency plan: Identify neighbors, friends and relatives who can care for your pet if you are unable to return home. Talk to your veterinarian about emergency planning for your pet.
  • Make a list of contacts for area animal control agencies—keep one copy with you and one copy in your pet’s disaster kit. Practice evacuating with your pet so they are familiar with the plan

Take the necessary steps to stay safe Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is particularly important for older adults. At age 65, people are twice as likely to be killed or injured by fires compared to the population at large.

FIRE PREVENTION

• If you smoke, smoke outside. Wet cigarette butts before throwing them out. Never smoke in bed or if oxygen is used in the home
• Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Unplug heaters when you leave your home or go to bed. Plug in directly to a wall outlet.
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking. If a pan catches on fire, slide a lid over it and turn off the burner.
• Don't cook if you are taking new medication and don't know how it will affect you.
• If your clothes catch fire; stop, drop, and roll.  Don't run. If you cannot drop and roll, keep a blanket or towel nearby to smother flames.
• Plan and practice your escape from fire and smoke.
• Have two ways out.
• Make sure windows and doors open easily.
• Know your local emergency number 9-1-1

FALL PREVENTION

• Exercise regular. Ask your doctor about the best physical exercise for you.
• Take your time. Get out of chairs slowly. Sit a moment before you get out of your bed. Stand and get your balance before you walk.
• Be aware of your surrondings.
• Keep stairs and walking areas clear. Remove electrial cords, shoes, clothing, books, or other items that may be in the way.
• Improve the lighting in and outside your home. Use night lights or a flashlight to light  the bath between your bedroom and the bathroom.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors and have grab bars installed on the wall.
• Wipe up spilled liquids immediately.
• Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes. Low-heeled with non-slip soles are best.

Opioids medications cover a broad spectrum of prescription and non-prescription drugs. They can effect a person’s ability to breathe, and when used in excess, can rapidly cause a person to become unresponsive and stop breathing. Opioid medications are prescribed by physicians for pain relief purposes; however, patients can sometimes build a tolerance and take more than recommended to achieve pain relief. This increase in opioid dependency can lead to a patient overdosing, and ultimately dying due to respiratory arrest.

Health officials say while the safest way to protect yourself is to refrain from using illegal drugs, they say the following tips will help lessen the risk of an overdose: get naloxone, consider testing for fentanyl, know the signs of overdose and be ready to call 911, connect with treatment.

 TREATMENT

SLO Adult Services: 2178 Johnson Ave, SLO (805)781-4700 For emergency referrals 24/7 and appointments (800)838-1381

Youth Services Clinic: 1989 Vicente Dr, SLO (805)781-4179

Drug and Alcohol Services For emergency referrals 24/7 and help (800)838-1381 2180 Johnson Ave, SLO (805)781-4275

Transitions-Mental Health Association (805)540-6500 Eliminating stigma, and promoting recovery and wellness f or people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services 784 High St, SLO (Mon-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm)

Alcoholics Anonymous (805)541-3211 www.sloaa.org

Narcotics Anonymous (800)549-7730 www.centralcoastna.org

Fentanyl Information www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/fentanyl.html County of San Luis Obispo

Drug & Alcohol Services https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Health-Agency/Behavioral-Health/Drug-AlcoholServices.aspx

PREVENT ACCIDENTAL POISONING AND UNSAFE DRUG USE

You can play a part in keeping our community safe from drug overdose with simple changes at home: make it part of your routine to store and dispose of medication and needles safely.

PRESCRIPTION AND OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION DISPOSAL

Ask the pharmacist for a safe disposal “take-back” envelope when you fill your prescription. All pharmacies in SLO County either have a drug take-back kiosk or will give you an envelope that is postage paid and pre-addressed to a safe drug disposal facility.

Visit DisposeMyMeds.org to find other authorized medicine disposal locations near you.

Drop off old or unused medication at Rx Drug Take-Back Day. For more information visit: https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/Health-Agency/PublicHealth/Department-News/Tips-to-Store-and-Dispose-of-MedicineSafely.aspx

SAFE STORAGE

Store your medicine someplace that is convenient for you, but out of plain sight and not accessible to others. Choose a location that is cool and dry. The bathroom is usually not a good place to store medicine, as it is often hot and humid.

For opioids and ADHD medication, consider storing these in a locked or well-hidden location. These medications are the most commonly misused by adolescents. After you take your medication, put it back in its place. Never leave your medicine bottle out.

 SHARPS

What IS CONSIDERED A SHARP?  All of the following must be disposed of as sharps waste: hypodermic needles, pen needles, intravenous needles, lancets and other devices that are used to break the skin of people and animals.

The San Luis Obispo County IWMA operates a FREE Home Generated Sharps Disposal Program. Dispose of used needles, syringes, lancets and other sharp objects in a free disposal container which is now available from local pharmacies. When the container is full, return it to the pharmacy and receive a new container. This service is free to households. Please no businesses. For more information visit: https://www.iwma.com/guide/needles-and-sharps/

Drowning is the #1 killer for kids aged 1-4, #2 for kids 5-9, and #3 for kids 10-14. Most drowning and near drowning happen within 6 feet of the wall where children become disoriented. Caregivers are usually in the pool area, not more a  than a few feet away.

WHAT PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS CAN DO

• Remove toys in or around the pool area when not in use.
• Appoint an official adult watcher to ensure children are supervised near the pool.
• Never leave children in or around the pool unattended.
• Stay up to date with the latest CPR techniques.
• Keep your pool and patio area well lit.
• Avoid alcohol when supervising children swimming.
• Be vigilant when supervising kids, stay off social media and your phone.
• Put up barriers around the pool or hot tub.
• Stay within reach of children in the water.
• Show children where they can safety enter and where it is too deep.
• Say no to floaties, kickboards, inflatable tubes, etc.-These give a false sense of security.

WHAT CHILDREN CAN DO

• Never swim alone. Always have a buddy!
• Never dive into shallow or unknown waters.
• Don't run around the pool. Walk.
• Swim in lifeguard-supervised beaches and pools.
• Learn proper swimming and safety skills.
• Always enter the water feet first.
• Only jump in as far as you can swim back.