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Reminder: Winter weather can be dangerous and unpredictable. Snow, ice and freezing conditions can lead to unexpected injuries and accidents. These conditions can increase the risk of hazardous travel, power outages, and health impacts, especially for older adults, children, and people with chronic health problems.

By preparing ahead of time you can avoid emergencies, protect your health and keep your loved ones safe. Follow these tips to be better prepared for the cold weather season.

• Have an emergency kit with supplies such flashlights, batteries, blankets, food, and water.
• Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows.
• Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors.
• Prepare your vehicle with emergency supplies.
• Use space heaters safely. Keep heat sources at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, bedding, or other flammable materials. Never cover your space heater.

Preparation before dangerous winter weather arrives is critical. The best time to prepare for severe winter weather is now, before temperatures drop significantly and staying safe and warm becomes a challenge. Take these precautions to lower your risk of illness.

• Wear cold appropriate clothing like gloves, hats, scarves and snow boots.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor.
• Remove any wet clothing immediately.
• Limit your time outdoors.

If you plan to travel, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) provides travel advisories on current road conditions and weather forecasts. Travelers can easily access weather information by dialing 511, 24 hours a day, seven days a week or via the website at 511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Kick off Thanksgiving safely! 🚗🦃
Drive Safe Hampton Roads and NHTSA remind everyone that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, especially on Thanksgiving Eve—also known as “Drinksgiving,” one of the most dangerous nights for impaired driving.

To help keep Hampton Roads safe, Drive Safe Hampton Roads is offering the 757 Sober Ride program, powered by Lyft, from 5 PM Nov. 26 to 3 AM Nov. 27, 2025. Adults 21+ can get a sober ride home (up to $15) by visiting DriveSafeHR.org/757-sober-ride for the promo code when it goes live at 5 PM on Nov. 26.

Plan ahead, never drive impaired, and don’t let friends drive under the influence. Every impaired driving crash is 100% preventable. Make a safe choice—and a safe holiday—by choosing a sober ride.

Virginia’s Fuel Assistance Program, which helps income-eligible households with heating costs during the winter months, is accepting applications through November 14.

Fuel assistance provides support for:

• Home heating costs
• Furnace re-starts
• Delivery charges
• Installation charges
• Connection or re-connection fees

Find out if you qualify and apply at commonhelp.virginia.gov or call (855) 635-4370.

Paper applications are available in English and Spanish at Norfolk Department of Human Services (741 Monticello Ave.)

More program info and downloadable applications at Norfolk.gov/energyassistance

A common viral illness, HFMD usually affects infants and children younger than five years old. However, it can sometimes occur in older children and adults. HFMD is spread from person to person by close contact with an infected person or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces. Infected persons are most contagious during the first week of illness.

Symptoms of HFMD include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Painful mouth sores that blister
• Rash commonly found on the hands and feet
• Poor appetite
• A general feeling of being unwell

To prevent spreading to others, children with HFMD should not go to school or childcare for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine and they have no uncontrolled drooling due to mouth sores.

Prevention Tips!

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items.
• Avoid close contact with people who have HFMD.
• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

Most people get better on their own in seven to 10 days with minimal or no medical treatment. If you have questions about HFMD, contact your healthcare provider.

Join the Hampton Roads Chapter of Project Nana for the ‘Tee Up to End Women’s Cancers’ Golf Tournament! Swing for a cause as we raise awareness for gynecologic cancers.

Mammogram Screenings in Your Community

 

Local pet owners are invited to bring their furry friends to Howl-O-Ween, a special community event offering FREE rabies vaccinations on Saturday, October 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 830 Southampton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510.

This fun and family-friendly event combines pet wellness with Halloween spirit. In addition to free rabies vaccines (while supplies last), attendees can enjoy swag giveaways and show off their pets’ best Halloween costumes.

“Rabies prevention is an essential part of protecting both pets and people,” said Dr. Susan Girois, Director of Norfolk Department of Public Health. “Howl-O-Ween is a great opportunity for the community to safeguard their animals’ health while enjoying a festive, seasonal celebration.”

Requirements for Vaccines:

• Pets must be at least 12 weeks old.
• Dogs must be on leashes. Cats must be in carriers.
• Owners must bring their previous rabies certificate for eligibility for a 3-year vaccine. Without it, a 1-year vaccine will be provided.

Vaccines are first come, first served while supplies last.

Additional Highlights:

• Swag giveaways
• Pet costume fun – dress your dog or cat in their best Halloween outfit!

This event underscores the importance of community health and responsible pet ownership. Pet owners are encouraged to arrive early to ensure availability.

Did you know that adjusting fluoride in public water systems is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth decay?

For nearly 80 years, water fluoridation has helped improve oral health across the U.S.—and the Virginia Department of Health fully supports it!

Here’s what you should know:
✅ Fluoride is a natural mineral, not a medication—just like adding iodine to salt or vitamin D to milk.
✅ It’s safe and effective. Thousands of studies over decades confirm it doesn’t cause harmful side effects at the levels used in U.S. drinking water.
✅ You still have personal choice—if you prefer not to consume fluoride, you can use water filters.
✅ Other countries use different methods to provide fluoride—like adding it to salt or milk.
✅ Fluoride in water + toothpaste = a double shield for your teeth!
✅ Local communities—not the federal government—decide whether to fluoridate their water.

🖱 Learn more from the Virginia Department of Health:
👉 https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/oral-health/cwf

Let’s keep our smiles strong, Virginia! 😁💙 #OralHealth #FluorideFacts #VDH