COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY

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1 COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY A message from Apache County Emergency Management Apache County Emergency Management is in the process of updating the Apache County Outdoor Fire Ordinance. A copy of the proposed Ordinance that will go before the Board of Supervisors can be found on the Apache County Website at, The Outdoor Fire Ordinance establishes fire zones in the unincorporated areas, establishing restrictions on certain outdoor fires, providing for implementation of emergency fire restrictions and specifying civil and criminal penalties for violations of the Ordinance. After reviewing the Ordinance, please direct any questions to the Emergency Management Office by at: bparks@co.apache.az.us. As we bring in the New Year, remember to take precautions when traveling, or participating in festivities. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in large crowds. Take note of emergency exits and staircases, and any fire extinguishers or safety equipment in the buildings or public venues such as hotels or nightclubs. Stay close to your friends and family members, especially younger children. Remember if you see something, say something. Report any unusual behavior to law enforcement or security personnel at public settings. If you plan to consume any liquor, assign a designated driver or use a taxi service. Also, if you are a passenger, make sure your driver is fit to drive. If they have been drinking and insist on driving, find a new way home. This is the time of the year when DUI details will be set up by various law enforcement agencies. They will be checking for drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol. As the New Year rings in, it is a great time to test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Replace batteries to ensure that they work properly or consider updating old alarms. We wish all our citizens a safe, successful and happy New Year. January 2018 Apache County Emergency Management Apache County Public Health Services District Office of Emergency Preparedness Little Colorado Behavioral Health Inside this issue Notes From Emergency Management 1 Critical Incident Stress Management 2 Flu Season 3 Is It A Cold or Flu? 4 5

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3 Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and can lead to hospitalization or even death. The single best way to protect yourself and those around you is to get vaccinated each year as soon as the influenza vaccine becomes available. If you are having severe issues like difficulty breathing or chest pains, you should seek immediate medical attention. During Flu season, urgent cares and hospitals can get overcrowded with ill people so it is important to call your doctor first unless you are severely ill. Symptoms of influenza last about a week and include: fever, cough, extreme tiredness, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and sometimes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Each flu season is unpredictable and severity varies due to circulating strains, vaccine effectiveness and the number of people vaccinated. People at high risk for developing serious disease include people 65 years and older, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Infant, older adults and high risk populations are most likely to be vaccinated. antiviral drugs, prescribed by a doctor, can be used as a treatment option. However, it is best not to get sick at all so getting vaccinated is your best option. Infected people may spread influenza virus to others 1 day before onset of the illness and up to 7 days after becoming sick. There are about 700 influenza related deaths in Arizona per year. This year there is a 758 percent increase in flu activity compared to last year at this time. Simple everyday measures like washing your hands, covering your cough, and staying home when sick can help prevent spreading influenza and other illnesses.

4 It is not too late to get your flu vaccine! Walk in immunizations on Tuesdays in Springerville. Call to check on nurse availability on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Apache County Public Health Services District at to check on availability of flu vaccine to help protect yourself.

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