How to Decorate Safely for a Fun, Festive Holiday Season

General Rules for Holiday Safety Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of the reach of children. Avoid smoking near flammable decorations. Make an emergency plan to use if a fire breaks out anywhere in the home. See that each family member knows what to do. Be sure to PRACTICE THE PLAN! Avoid wearing loose flowing […]


Hurricane Safety Bullet Points

Hurricanes are violent storms which bring intense winds, heavy rain, storm surge, flooding, erosion, landslides and tornadoes. While it is difficult to predict the exact time, place, and force of hurricanes, residents along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts must be prepared. The season for hurricanes runs from June through November, with most hurricanes occurring mid-August […]


Tsunami Awareness and Safety

What is a tsunami and where do they happen? Tsunamis are a series of large ocean waves generated by large undersea disturbances, such as a major earthquake on the sea floor or landslide. Tsunamis are not affected by tides or currents – a tsunami in the ocean means the whole water column is moving, not […]


The schizophrenic patient’s support system

Part 8 of Schizophrenia. Family and friends can also help patients set realistic goals and regain their ability to function in the world. Support for those with mental disorders can come from families, professional residential or day program caregivers, shelter operators, friends or roommates, professional case managers, or others in their communities or places of […]


Health & Safety Questions About Nuclear Explosions

With the recent threats of terrorism, many people have expressed concern about the likelihood and effects of a nuclear explosion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed this fact sheet to describe what happens when a nuclear explosion occurs, the possible health effects, and what you can do to protect yourself in […]


Who Oversees Nuclear Power Plants in the United States?

In the United States, more than 100 nuclear reactors supply about 20% of our electricity. Worldwide, more than 400 reactors provide 17% of the world’s electricity. Nuclear power plants produce electricity through a heat-generating process known as “fission,” in which neutrons split uranium atoms to produce large amounts of energy. This process also creates some […]


Carbon Monoxide: Invisible Danger

What is carbon monoxide? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. Although it has no detectable odor, CO is often mixed with other gases that do have an odor. So, you can inhale carbon monoxide right along with gases that you can smell and not even know that CO is present. […]


Basic Information about SARS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). SARS was first reported in Asia in February 2003. Over the next few months, the illness spread to more than two dozen countries in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia before the SARS global outbreak of […]


A Preparedness Guide for Winter Storms: Are you ready?

The winter months bring snow and ice storms, power outages and hazardous driving conditions. However, you can prepare for a disaster by taking a few steps to deal with the challenges of winter weather. Compile an emergency survival kit that includes a three day supply of food and water, flashlights, a first aid kit, a […]