Union News

Union County recently issued the following announcement.

Human Services wishes you a safe and healthy UNION this holiday season.

Here are 12 ways to keep you and your loved ones safe:

1. Stay dry and warm

With temperatures dropping, it’s important to keep warm and dry. Donate last season’s jackets and coats to a local organization in need. Find resources to receive help or donate at UC CARES.

2. Manage stress

With the holidays fast approaching, the stress that comes with cleaning, entertaining, cooking and shopping can be an emotional toll for an already stressful year. Lift your spirits this holiday season by managing your stress by taking a walk at one of our parks.

3. Eat well and stay active

Reign in overindulging this holiday season by staying active and eating mindfully.

4. Wash your hands & cover your cough

Washing your hands for 20 seconds to your favorite holiday jingle is a great way to prevent infections, and so is covering your mouth when you cough! Remember, if you're feeling under the weather stay home.

5. Practice fire safety

As you deck the halls, be fire smart. Don’t leave fireplaces, space heaters, food on stovetops or candles unattended. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns and consider using battery-operated flameless candles. If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it has water every day, as a dry tree can catch on fire easily. Print out a Sesame Street children's fire safety activity book.

6. Watch your children carefully

Children are extremely curious and with the added distractions of the holidays it’s important to remain vigilant in keeping cleaning products, medicine and batteries out of children’s reach and sight. If you suspect that you or someone else has been poisoned, please call us at 1-800-222-1222.

7. Get your vaccinations

It’s not too late! Give the gift of a safe and healthy holiday season and get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated will protect you and may protect people around you. Plus, flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time. Schedule an appointment today.

8. Traveling this holiday season?

The roads are busier during the holidays so it’s important to always wear your seatbelt and to avoid distractions while driving.

9. Get a COVID-19 test before visiting family

If you plan on celebrating indoors with your loved ones in the coming days, you may want to consider getting a COVID-19 test three to four days before gathering. Consider additional precautions like avoiding indoor spaces before gathering to reduce risk. Find testing locations.

10. Pick up Narcan, no questions asked.

With so many triggers during the holiday season, it’s no surprise that those with substance use disorders may need your support. Pick up Narcan for free at the Union County Human Services building (2330 Concord Ave. Monroe, NC 28110).

11. Food Preparation Safety

Prepare food safely this holiday season by frequently washing hands and surfaces, avoiding cross-contamination, cooking foods to proper temperatures, and refrigerating foods promptly.

12. Gather Safely, Wear Masks and Physically Distance

Outdoor gatherings are safer than indoors, but if you choose to gather indoors, be sure to wear a mask and to keep distance from others when possible. If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.

Find additional information and resources on the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services website.

Original source can be found here.