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Our Health |
Tewksbury Rescue SquadWelcomes AidEvent Volunteers WantedThe Tewksbury First Aid & Rescue Squad is looking for volunteers to help with its first annual Tewksbury Bike Tour, and its 22nd annual Harvest Festival. Opportunities include preparatory activities like soliciting donors, working with vendors, and planning, plus event day activities like manning water stations and food tents.This is a great chance to contribute to our town based on your interests and skills, at a level of involvement that works with your schedule. All ages are welcome. This is also a great opportunity for community based organizations like scouts, teams, and clubs to work together and show group spirit, and high school students to get those all-important community service hours for college applications. We will provide documentation for hours worked. Please reach out to Greg Lattanzio, at glattanzio@tewksburyrescue.us to learn more. Used Cars WantedThe Squad is in need of cars to cut apart for training purposes. If you have an old car or truck you could donate for this purpose, you will get a tax deductible receipt, and you will help the Squad in its training to save lives.Cadets WantedThe cadets of the Rescue Squad are always looking for new members! Young people age 12-17 who would like to be a part of the Rescue Squad membership can pick up an application at the Rescue Squad Building. If you would like direct contact with a member of the Squad about the application process, please phone the Rescue Squad Building, 908-439-9311.Squad SiteThe Rescue Squad can be reached at 908-439-9311 for non-emergencies, and 9-1-1 for emergencies. For continuing information regarding the Squad, visit the Tewksbury Rescue Squad Web site.You Can Help Save LivesThe Squad is always looking for new members. To find out how you can help their efforts, e-mail the Squad via their Web site, or telephone 908-439-9311.Health Screeningsfor Men and WomenThe Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, at the Hunterdon Medical Center, in Flemington, has an ongoing program offering free Mammograms and Pap Smears for women and Colorectal or Prostate Cancer tests for Men. These tests are available for men and women who lack adequate insurance and meet other eligibility requirements.The program is funded in part through a grant from the State of New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Initiative. To make an appointment, or for more information, phone Marge Vellotti, Outreach Coordinator, at 908-237-5409. Are You Readyfor an Emergency?Be PreparedThe American Red Cross, noted for its disaster-relief efforts, says there are four stepsto be sure your family and pets are prepared for disasters.1. Find Out What Could Happen to You by Contacting your local Red Cross chapter or municipal emergency management office before a disaster. 2. Create a Disaster Plan with your family, including what to do, where to go (in case of an evacuation), and how to contact one another. Assemble emergency supplies into a Disaster Kit before you think you'll need it. 3. Disaster-proof your home, through by making sure all appliances (especially electrical cords) are in good condition, storing hazardous chemicals securely, and knowing how to use fire extinguishers, how to turn off utilities, and how to contact emergency help and family members. 4. Keep your disaster plan updated; practice by quizzing the kids, conducting drills, checking on supplies, and testing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, at least every six months. Talk with neighbors, too, to plan for mutual support. Knowing people's special skills (is there a doctor on the road?) and needs (do you have elderly or disabled neighbors) can help everyone fare better in extreme conditions. Disaster KitSo what goes into that Disaster Kit? The Red Cross advises every home to stock supplies in six basic categories: water, food, first aid kit, clothing and bedding, tools and emergency supplies, and special items. Keep items you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container, such as a large, covered trash can.Water Store water in plastic bottles. Store one gallon of water per person per day for drinking, cooking (but keep this to a minimum), and washing/toilet flushing. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more. You can save water by using pre-moistened towelettes for hand washing and personal cleansing. Food Keep at least a three-day supply of food on hand. Select items that are non-perishable, compact, require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little water. Keep a can of sterno as well, if there are items that you must heat. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Kit: -Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables -Canned juices -Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.) -High energy foods -Vitamins -Food for infants -Comfort foods (snacks are always important) Also remember plastic or paper cups, plates, and utensils, to eliminate the need for washing, and a manual can opener. First Aid Kit Keep a first aid kit in your home and smaller ones in each car. Include over-the-counter and prescription medications. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about storing prescription medications. Clothing and Bedding Include at least one complete change of clothing and per person, including sturdy shoes, and enough warm blankets for everyone. Tools and Emergency Supplies -General tools (pliers, screwdrivers, utility knife). -Battery-operated radio and extra batteries -Flashlight and extra batteries -Emergency preparedness manual (available from the Red Cross) -Cash or traveler's checks, change (for phones, tolls, vending machines, in case of evacuation) Special Items Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons. Pack games and books, to keep kids occupied. The Disaster Kit is also a good place to keep important family documents, such as wills, insurance policies, passports, social security cards, immunization records, bank and credit card account numbers, an inventory of valuable household goods, birth, marriage, and death certificates. Keep everything in a waterproof, portable container, in a convenient place known to all family members. Learn MoreMore information can be found on the Red Cross, White House, and Department of Homeland Security Web sites. |
