A Communication Toolkit about Christmas Tree Safety and More...  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPSA), half of all Christmas tree fires are caused by either an electrical problem or a heat source too close to the tree.  The most recent NFPSA data indicates that U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 160 fires per year that start with Christmas trees. These fires cause, on average, two deaths, 12 injuries, and more than $10 million in direct property damage.  Fortunately, you can prevent these accidents by taking proper safety measures when purchasing, setting...

You may have nostalgia for the winter storms of your childhood. When you’re young, blizzards bring the promise of canceled school, warm cups of cocoa, and snowball fights. As an adult, however, the glamour of a snowstorm can wear off quickly. This is especially true when it comes to driving during a winter storm, weather proofing your home, and facing a winter weather emergency.  The winter season is already in full swing this year, and a number of states across the United States have begun facing extreme winter storms. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe during a winter storm,...

As 2022 draws to a close, many are thinking of getting together with family and making holiday memories. This time of year also calls our attention to the increasing risks of respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV.  With rising exposure to RSV and emergency room visits, it is essential to understand what RSV is and how serious a respiratory illness can be. You can also take steps to stop this virus's spread and protect your family.  What Is RSV?  Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a sickness that causes cold-like symptoms in most sufferers, who usually recover in 1-2 weeks. You can...

On October 11, 2022, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended, for the first time, that children aged 8 and up should be screened for anxiety. This recommendation comes after the 2018-2019 National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) found that 7.8% of children and adolescents aged 3 to 17 years had a current anxiety disorder.  The new recommendation applies to children who are not already diagnosed with a mental health condition and who don’t have recognized symptoms of anxiety, depression, or suicide. However, the USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient...

You might be eyeing those strawberries in your refrigerator, but you don’t remember when you bought them. You look at the date on the packaging and notice that it has passed. Are the strawberries still safe to eat? You hate to waste what appears to be good food, but you also do not want you or your family to get sick.  Like many people, you might be confused by the different “best before” or “use by” dates on many food items. Out of concern for your health, you might have thrown out food prematurely because of what looks like an “expiration” date. Unfortunately, misconceptions about these labels...