Biohazard

The Vermont Department of Health office in Brattleboro recommends that people listen to their Emergency Alert System radio station for advisories regarding vaccinations, medications or shelter-in-place in the event of an epidemic, a pandemic (global outbreak of disease) or bioterrorism. Different illnesses require different steps for prevention. For more information, visit www.healthyvermonters.com. In general, the best way to be prepared is to maintain good health habits.

• Vaccinate against the flu each fall.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often to prevent the spread of germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, which are most susceptible to germ contact.
• Have available alcohol-based hand wipes or gel sanitizers to keep hands germ free when soap and water are not available.

More Information

For more in-depth information, please visit the Disaster Services section of the American Red Cross website, www.redcross.org, or the Hazards section of the FEMA website.