The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends all families in areas that may be affected by Hurricane Isaac take health and safety precautions.

State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson urges Alabamians to listen and follow warnings communicated through the news media.

Food Safety
Power outages prompt concerns about the safety of frozen and refrigerated foods. As a general rule, a full upright or chest freezer will keep foods frozen for about two days without power.

A partially full freezer will keep foods frozen for about one day. This time may be extended by keeping the door shut. A refrigerator will keep foods cool for four to six hours if the door is kept closed as much as possible.

Any thawed foods that have been at room temperature for more than two hours should be discarded. Foods still containing ice crystals can be refrozen, although the quality of the food may decrease.

The Alabama Department of Public Health cautions the public to protect themselves from West Nile virus (WNV) and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

Approximately 1 in 5 people who are infected with WNV will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. Less than 1 percent will develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis (inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissues). Eight confirmed cases of WNV have been reported in Alabama to date this season, and additional suspected cases will be investigated statewide.

When a person is infected, early recognition and prompt supportive treatment for these illnesses can substantially lower the risk of developing severe disease. About 10 percent of people who develop neurologic infection due to WNV will die.

Event:            Supporting America’s Veterans:  Faith-based and Community Organizations Roundtable

Date:              Thursday, August 9, 2012 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Place:             Daleville Fellowship Christian Church, 1 Martin Luther King Jr. Circle, Daleville, AL 36322

Who:              Faith-based, Non-Profit and Community Leaders and Organizations