Ware County Health Department

Today, February 4, is Lightning Safety Day. Learn the 30/30 rule. If after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, go indoors. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. For more information about lightning safety, please visit https://gema.georgia.gov//stor/thunderstorms-and-lightning.

Today, February 3, is Tornado Safety Day. Determine in advance where you will take shelter in case of a tornado warning. The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) is holding a statewide PrepareAthon! tornado drill today at 9 AM. For more information on tornado drill procedures, please visit https://gema.georgia.gov/tornado-drill-procedures.

Today, February 2, is Thunderstorm Safety Day. All thunderstorms are dangerous because they can produce strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, hail and flash flooding. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts an average of 30 minutes. Learn the difference between a thunderstorm watch and a thunderstorm warning by visiting https://gema.georgia.gov//stor/thunderstorms-and-lightning.

It's National Influenza Vaccination Week! This week serves as a reminder that there is still time to roll your sleeve up and get your annual flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones. It’s especially important for people with certain chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes to get vaccinated. Contact your local health department to schedule an appointment for your influenza vaccine today!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the quarantine guidance for individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 and do not have symptoms. While 14 days is still the SAFEST recommendation, there are circumstances that allow someone to be released from quarantine earlier. Learn more at https://dph.georgia.gov/contact.

Severe Weather Preparedness Week is February 1-5. Today, February 1, is Family Preparedness/NOAA Weather Radio Day. Purchase a life-saving NOAA Weather Radio and choose an out-of-state friend as a check-in contact to call if your family gets separated. Consider preparing your Ready kit now. For more resources on how you can prepare your home or business for severe weather emergencies and other disasters, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia.

After receiving a flu vaccine, many people do not experience any noticeable side effects. However, for some people, mild side effects may occur. The great news about this is that it indicates your body is building up natural immunity against the flu! This is the goal of any vaccine to help your body create a line of defense against illness. Are you interested in receiving your flu vaccine at your local health department? Please call 1-855-473-4374, and we can assist you with that!

Drive on up to The Ware County Health Department to receive a FREE COVID-19 test during the month of December! Free COVID-19 testing will be offered on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. To schedule an appointment, please visit covid19.dph.ga.gov.

Do you know your HIV status? If not, please visit https://tinyurl.com/yxne9wh5 for more information on how to schedule an appointment for a fast and confidential HIV test at no cost to you! Get tested regularly to protect yourself and your partners. Take the test. Take control. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lenIrhEWY0

Drive on up to The Ware County Health Department to receive a flu shot and FREE COVID-19 test during the month of December! Both of these services will be offered on Wednesdays, December 2 and 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. No appointment is necessary so come visit us and get your flu shot and FREE COVID-19 test!