West Nile Virus Alert!

Mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus have been detected in various areas throughout Southern California.   The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District advises residents to follow specific precautions to safe-guard yourselves and your family members. 1)  Dump or drain any standing water.  2) Repair window and door screens. 3) Apply repellent when outdoors. 4) Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk.  5) Report mosquitoes, dead birds, abandoned swimming pools, ponds, and fountains.  To learn more, please click here.    

 

West Nile Virus Alert!

Mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus have been detected in various areas throughout Southern California.   The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District advises residents to follow specific precautions to safe-guard yourselves and your family members. 1)  Dump or drain any standing water.  2) Repair window and door screens. 3) Apply repellent when outdoors. 4) Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk.  5) Report mosquitoes, dead birds, abandoned swimming pools, ponds, and fountains.  To learn more, please click here.    

 

Public Health Advisory - Mosquito Alert

Invasive tropical mosquitoes have been found in the City of Los Alamitos.  Late last week, the Orange County Vector Control District received  two separate service requests, approximately 1.5 miles apart.  A thorough investigation was conducted and the presence of Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was confirmed in both locations.  The Vector Control District has deployed personnel to the City of Los Alamitos to conduct neighborhood inspections of properties for mosquito breeding and standing water in the surrounding area.  We are also informing nearby residents about the discovery of this invasive species and to report additional sighting and mosquito bites.

 

Click here for the Public Health Advisory Vector Control is distributing to the residents. 

 

 

High Temperatures and Wildfire Smoke Pose Potential Health Risk

Higher than normal temperatures are expected throughout the weekend in many inland Orange County cities, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses. In addition, smoke from the San Diego County wildfires may pose a health danger to some Orange County residents, especially those in certain high-risk groups. The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a Smoke Advisory for Orange County.

“Everyone should take precautions to stay cool and drink plenty of water to reduce health risks related to the heat and wildfire smoke,” said Dr. Eric Handler, County Health Officer. “Additional precautions are especially needed for older adults, those with preexisting medical conditions like heart or lung disease, those with disabilities, children, and those who may be working outdoors.” Dr. Handler also reminds residents to check on their family members, friends and neighbors this weekend.


County of Orange - Health Care Agency Press Release

High Temperatures Bring Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses

HIGH TEMPERATURES BRING RISK OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES (Santa Ana) - Temperatures in many inland Orange County communities are expected to reach high temperatures above 95 degrees this week, increasing the risk of heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke for those who are more sensitive to heat. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may cause serious conditions like heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can even be fatal. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness. At the first sign of heat exhaustion, move to a cool location, rest and drink fluids.  Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, and a throbbing headache. If symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling their body with water. Recommended precautions to prevent heat related illnesses include: • Drink plenty of water; don’t wait until you are thirsty. • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. •Stay out of the sun if possible, and when in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim, and use sunscreen. • Avoid strenuous activities if you are outside or in non-air conditioned buildings. If you are working outdoors, take frequent rest and refreshment breaks in a shaded area. • Never leave children, elderly people or pets unattended in closed cars or other vehicles. • Check on those who are at high risk to make sure they are staying cool – including seniors who live alone, people with heart or lung disease, and young children. • Stay cool indoors – if your home is not air conditioned, visit public facilities such as shopping malls and libraries to stay cool. For more information on heat related illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/. # # #

Summer Safety Tips for Pets

Summer Safety Tips for Pets

Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) reminds residents to keep the summer months fun and safe for all family members including pets. According to Margaret Lee, Shelter Veterinarian for LBACS, families should practice a few simple tips to keep their pets healthy and safe during the summer heat:

1. Adjust their exercise routine. Walk dogs early in the morning or late in day when temperatures are cooler. Shorten walks if necessary, and avoid runs on hot days - dogs will keep running even if they are overheating. Cats tend to restrict their own activity in the heat better than dogs.

2. Remove clothing from pets. Sweaters and other clothing on pets during the summer will trap excessive heat and may contribute to overheating. The ideal temperature for cats and dogs is between 60-80 degrees. Dogs and cats cool themselves by panting and do not have sweat glands on their skin (only on their paw pads). Cats do not pant under normal circumstances - if your cat is panting, he/she may be extremely overheated or stressed and immediate action should be taken.

3. Be cautious when walking your dog on pavement and at the beach. The hot pavement and sand can burn and blister your dog's paws, just as it would your own. Asphalt temperatures can reach 160 degrees. Keep dogs on lawns, or have them wear booties if they will be on asphalt or on sand.

4. Make sure your pet has plenty of access to shade and clean water when outdoors.

5. Never leave your pet unsupervised in a car. The temperature inside a parked car can reach 200 degrees and higher within a matter of minutes, even with the windows open. Please contact us to report an animal that is locked inside a parked car.

6. Make arrangements for pet care if you will be out of town. Ensure the care of your pet by providing proper nutrition, appropriate care and a secure environment. All pets in Long Beach are required by law to be licensed. One of the benefits to licensing is the vacation pet alert. Before leaving town, pet owners with a current license may call 562-570-PETS to register where and with whom their pet will stay with while they are gone, and ensure that they are returned home in case they get lost.

7. Make sure your pet wears proper identification. Licensing and micro-chipping pets greatly increase the chances of reuniting a lost pet with its owner. For information or assistance with dog licensing, call Long Beach Animal Care Services at 562-570-7387 or visit www. www.longbeach.gov/acs/default.asp.

8. Know the Warning Signs Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees. Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

9. Make sure you know the number of the emergency veterinary hospitals in your area. Take a few minutes to drive by your local emergency veterinary hospital so you can be sure you can find it an emergency when you may not be thinking as clearly as on an ordinary day.

The goal of Long Beach Animal Care Services is to make Long Beach the safest large city in California for people and animals through the promotion of responsible pet ownership and recreation. LBACS serves 600,000 residents and pets in Long Beach, Cerritos, Seal Beach, Los Alamitos and Signal Hill.

Animal Care Services is located at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village at 7700 East Spring Street in Long Beach. The Village is open Wednesday through Friday 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and is closed on Mondays, Tuesday and holidays.  

Unhealthful Air Quality Forecast

Although Orange County is NOT under a smoke advisory at this time, many areas are being impacted by smoke from the Etiwanda Fire.  For more information, please see the Press Release from the SCAQMD below:

 

April 30, 2014

PRESS RELEASE -

Unhealthful Air Quality Forecast due to the Etiwanda Fire Burning near Rancho Cucamonga

The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a smoke advisory today for portions of western San Bernardino and Riverside counties and eastern Los Angeles County. Air quality may reach the Unhealthy range or higher in these areas due to the Etiwanda Fire.

 

Smoke production from the fire has been high at times with winds of 70 mph to 80 mph reported. Cities that may experience Unhealthy air quality include: Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, Riverside, Norco and Corona. Cities in the Pomona/Walnut Valley including Diamond Bar, Walnut, Pomona, San Dimas, La Verne and Claremont may also experience Unhealthy air quality levels.

 

All individuals are urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities in any area directly impacted by smoke.  This includes areas where residents can see or smell smoke.

 

In any area impacted by smoke:

 

Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children should remain indoors.  Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter.  Run your air conditioner if you have one.  Do not use a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside.  To avoid worsening the health effects of wildfire smoke, don’t use indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces.

 

For anyone not able to avoid a smoky area, a special N95 or P100 respirator mask worn properly may help protect against the fine particles in smoke.  Paper or surgical masks do not protect the wearer from smoke.  To learn more on how to properly wear a special respirator mask and help protect from wildfire smoke, go to

 

http://www.arb.ca.gov/videos/impacts_of_smoke.htm and http://www.arb.ca.gov/carpa/toolkit/data-to-mes/wildfire-smoke-guide.pdf.

 

To subscribe to air quality alerts, advisories and forecasts by e-mail, go to AirAlerts.org.

 

To view current air quality conditions by region in an interactive map, see http://www3.aqmd.gov/webappl/gisaqi2/home.aspx.

 

For more tips on avoiding health impacts from smoke, see http://www.aqmd.gov/ej/CAC/wildfire_safety_tips.htm on SCAQMD’s website.

 

SCAQMD is the air pollution control agency for Orange County and major portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

 

Remember... Today is Drug Take Back Day!

Drug Take Back Day

Today from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Tomorrow is Drug Take Back Day!

Drug Take Back Day

Tomorrow from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Drug Take Back Day

Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Drug Take Back Day

Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Drug Take Back Day

Drug Take Back Day

On Saturday, April 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Los Alamitos Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring your pills for disposal to the Los Alamitos Police Department at 3201 Katella Avenue. Liquid medications and needles (sharps) will not be accepted.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Buzzed Driving is Impaired Driving - CA DMV

The California DMV reminds us to designate a sober driver for your group before the drinking begins.

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving!

@CA_DMV

Heroin Use Misery Spreads in US - AP

Two recent stories regarding heroin use:


AP - On a beautiful Sunday last October, Detective Dan Douglas stood in a suburban Minnesota home and looked down at a lifeless 20-year-old — a needle mark in his arm, a syringe in his pocket. It didn't take long for Douglas to realize that the man, fresh out of treatment, was his second heroin overdose that day.

"You just drive away and go, 'Well, here we go again,'" says the veteran cop.

AP Story


KABC - Heroin addiction is on the rise nationwide and in Southern California. It can be a deadly high, and young people are the most vulnerable.

"Black tar" heroin was recently seized during a drug raid in Simi Valley. Law enforcement officials say they are seeing an alarming number of kids ages 18 and younger addicted to heroin.

KABC Story


Drug Abuse strikes all ages, communities, demographics, and socio-economic levels.

Find more information at www.drugabuse.gov

Measles Outbreak in Orange County

As of March 27, there were twenty-one confirmed measles cases in Orange County, the most reported by any county in California.  Orange County typically sees zero to one case of the measles a year.  In fact, there were only three (3) cases in total during the five years preceding this outbreak (2009-2013).

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially severe disease, but is one that can be prevented by vaccination.  Health officials expect that the measles outbreak will continue to spread, and remind people that the best way to prevent the measles is by getting vaccinated.  For further information, please clink here to see the press release from the County of Orange – Health Care Agency.

West Nile Virus Information

With the warmth of summer, the number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus in Orange County is increasing. Although no human cases have been reported this year, residents are encouraged to eliminate standing water from buckets, pots, neglected pools and other areas where stagnant water creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes. For more information, contact Orange County Vector Control.

Today is Prescription Drug Take-Back Day!

Girl Scout Troop 1631 is working in partnership with the Los Alamitos Police Department to raise awareness for a Prescription Drug Take-Back Day!

As part of their Silver Award Project, Troop 1631 is working to make people aware of the environmental damage that is caused by flushing medications into the sewage system where they contaminates our lakes, rivers, and oceans.

To participate in this event, bring your expired, unused, or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications to the Police Department for disposal on Saturday, April 30, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

FLYER

MORE INFO

REMINDER: Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Girl Scout Troop 1631 is working in partnership with the Los Alamitos Police Department to raise awareness for a Prescription Drug Take-Back Day!

As part of their Silver Award Project, Troop 1631 is working to make people aware of the environmental damage that is caused by flushing medications into the sewage system where they contaminates our lakes, rivers, and oceans.

To participate in this event, bring your expired, unused, or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications to the Police Department for disposal on Saturday, April 30, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

FLYER

MORE INFO

Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Girl Scout Troop 1631 is working in partnership with the Los Alamitos Police Department to raise awareness for a Prescription Drug Take-Back Day!

As part of their Silver Award Project, Troop 1631 is working to make people aware of the environmental damage that is caused by flushing medications into the sewage system where they contaminates our lakes, rivers, and oceans.

To participate in this event, bring your expired, unused, or unwanted prescription and over-the-counter medications to the Police Department for disposal on Saturday, April 30, from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

For more information , call 562-431-2255, x445.

Time is Running Out!

Dog License Late Penalty Amnesty Ends This Week!

You can ask to have the $30 late penalty waived and avoid a citation by licensing your unlicensed dog in December! This waiver also applies to expired licenses that are more that 60 days overdue and would otherwise be subject to the penalty. Amnesty must be requested at the time the license is paid! For more information, contact our animal care service provider at:

(562) 570-PETS or www.longbeach.gov/acs

Read more about the program here.