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| Township Ordinances | Safety Tips | |
| Burglar Alarms | Carjacking Safety | |
| Noise | Trauma Info | |
| Overnight Parking | West Nile Virus | |
| Snow removal | ||
Car-Jacking Avoidance TipsTips to help motorists avoid a car-jack situation
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Trauma InformationContents:
THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT TRAUMA Everyone responds differently to trauma. Try not to judge yourself or others. This is an important time to honor your own feelings and experiences as well as those of others. Experiencing a critical incident may trigger memories of other trauma you have experienced. This is normal and although painful, will pass in time. Take care of yourself. It is important to rest, eat well, and exercise to relieve pent-up feelings and stress. Put unrelated stressful decisions on hold. Don't force yourself to do things that feel uncomfortable. Allow for time alone and with others as you need it. A trauma in the workplace is serious. We may not realize how much a part of our lives our co-workers have become until something happens to one of them. While we may question the appropriateness of "grieving" at work, it is necessary in order to put closure on the incident. People grieve in different ways and those differences need to be supported and respected. It can be helpful to consider the possible positive results that can come from experiencing a trauma or loss. The experience can lead to a reassessment of what's really important, an opportunity to make changes, and to be more appreciative of those around us. For many people, surviving a crisis can help build self-confidence. Knowing they had the strength to manage through a very difficult situation can load to believing "If I made it through that I can make it through anything." COMMON SYMPTOMS AFTER A CRITICAL INCIDENT After experiencing a traumatic event, it is very common, in fact quite normal, for people to experience a wide range of emotional or physical reactions. These responses may appear immediately after the event or some time later. They may last for a few days, a few weeks, or even longer. Don't worry - these are normal reactions to an abnormal situation. It's important to understand that like the flu, your reactions will run their course and you will feel better in time. The following are some of the most common symptoms:
GRIEF AND LOSS Grieving is a healthy and natural healing process. It is not a sign of weakness. For most people, grieving follows a pattern which proceeds through a series of stages, whether the loss results from death, divorce, job loss, or even moving away from friends and family. Since each of us is different, not everyone will experience every stage, or proceed at the same pace, or with the same intensity of feelings. The best way to confront loss is to recognize it, understand the feelings and reactions you experience, and get support during the grieving process. The following are the basic stages of the grieving process: Denial - A period of numbness and shock usually follows a major loss or death. This stage allows a person time to absorb what has happened and begin to slowly adjust to the reality. Anger and Guilt - As shock wears off, grief gives rise to a variety of feelings, including anger. You may feel angry at the person you lost for disappointing you or leaving you, angry at a company for laying you off, or even at God for letting a bad thing happen. You may feel unreasonably responsible for your loss or feel guilty about what you imagine you could have done to prevent it. You may even feel guilty about some of your other feelings. Sadness and Despair - Losses can bring varying degrees of sadness, loneliness and yearning. Your feelings may be so overwhelming that you try to avoid them. But tears, sadness, thinking about your loss, or other expressions of grief are not "breaking down," they are essential for healing. Reaching out to others is a key way to lessen loneliness and overcome depression. Acceptance and Hope - Gradually accepting your loss and adjusting to the changes it brings can give you hope for the future again. These changes take time, and may be painful, but they're also a change for personal growth. During the most painful moments, it's hard to believe that your life will be better, but you will come out the other side, perhaps stronger, perhaps wiser. Aftermath - Just when you think you "should" be "over" your loss, reminders can plunge you into another wave of grief. Although this may continue for months or years, the waves usually become smaller, less frequent, and easier to deal with over time. WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOURSELF When you've experienced a trauma, it can be a shock to your whole system. The following are some ideas to help you cope with any physical or emotional symptoms you may be experiencing: Eat well-balanced and regular meals, even if you don't feel like it. Good nutrition is very important when you are feeling stressed Get plenty of rest. Exercise regularly. It can help work off some physical stress symptoms, leaving you feeling calmer and better able to relax. If you're feeling lethargic it can help energize you and clear your mind. Avoid caffeine, especially if you are having trouble sleeping. Avoid the use of drugs or alcohol, including prescription and over the counter drugs to numb the pain. It will only complicate or delay your recovery. Structure your time and set priorities. Maintain your basic normal routine, but give yourself permission to skip the extras for awhile. Don't make any major life changes or decisions. Do make as many small daily decisions as possible to reassert your sense of control. Don't try to avoid or deny reoccurring thoughts or feelings about the incident. They are normal and will decrease over time. Give yourself permission to feel rotten and to share your feelings with others. Do things that you enjoy. Take mini-breaks; go out to dinner, take 10 minutes alone, watch a movie. Talk with people you trust; your family, friends, co-workers. Don't be afraid to reach out. People do care. Don't be afraid to set limits with others when you don't feel like talking. You don't have to discuss the incident or your feelings when you don't want to. Don't label yourself as "crazy." Remind yourself you're having normal reactions. Write down your thoughts and feelings. This can be especially helpful if you're having trouble sleeping or when you wake from a troubling dream. Ask for help if you need it. If you are having trouble coping on your own, help is available from many sources. - Professional assistance from a counselor may sometimes be necessary. This does not imply weakness or craziness. It simply indicates that the particular event was just too powerful to handle by yourself. - In the workplace you may be able to get assistance from your co-workers, the human resource department, or company EAP. - Church, friends, family, and other community resources can be valuable sources of support. WHAT YOU CAN FOR OTHERS Take care of yourself first. Then you can help others. Listening
Reaching Out At Work
Helping Family and Friends
CHILDREN AND TRAUMA After exposure to trauma, such as violence, death, accidents, or natural disasters, children are likely to show signs of stress. These reactions are normal and usually will not last long. Whether a child was involved directly, through proximity, through a parent's involvement, or as a second-hand witness via the media, friends or family, they are likely to exhibit some of the following symptoms. Indicators of Emotional Overload In Children
Helping Your Child With Emotional Trauma
STRESS REACTIONS Coping For Children of All Ages: Using the Arts for Healing and Survival In dealing with the recent harrowing events in New York and Washington, D.C. that continue to unfold, it is especially important that we help children become survivors rather than victims of terrorist acts and the constant reporting by the media. In addition to feeling frightened and confused, children may also be worried about the adults around them who exhibit worry and despair. Children's sense of security and well-being can be somewhat restored as their imaginations, bodies, and emotions actively use the arts for healing. Here are a few strategies, please expand the list: HOME STRATEGIES:
SCHOOL STRATEGIES:
COMMUNITY STRATEGIES:
SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOU COPE Taking Care Of Yourself
Relating To Others
Managing Your Time
Taking Care Of Your Body
SUGGESTIONS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
The material contained in this page has been submitted by Township resident, Sandra Kovarsky, M.S., R.N., C.N.S.C. _______________________________________________________________________________ |
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West Nile Encephalitis (WNV)What is West Nile Virus?West Nile Virus, first seen in the U.S. in 1999, is a viral disease spread by the bite of certain types of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can become infected by biting infected birds. Only a very small percentage of mosquitoes become infected and the risk of human infection is very low. For most people who are infected, the disease is so mile that it may go unnoticed. The elderly and ill, however, can suffer serious consequences, so it is important to prevent the disease. Control of mosquitoes is the first line of defense against the virus. What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus?If symptoms of West Nile virus do develop, the usually occur within 3 to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and may include fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness and mental confusion. In rare cases, more severe infection may result in high fever, tremors, disorientation and other signs of increasing illness. Such symptons should be evaluated by your health care provider. What is being done to prevent the disease?The Mosquito Control Division works year round on water management to reduce mosquito breeding sites. Surveillance and control of mosquito larve has already begun and traps have been placed to detect adult mosquitoes. Adult mosquitoes are not expected to appear before warmer weather in late spring. How can you help protect yourself?You can help prevent West Nile virus by limiting mosquito breeding sites on your own property and by reporting areas of stagnant water to your local health department.
What to do if you find a dead crow or hawk?If you find a dead crow or hawk, report it to your local health or police department. If the crow died recently and is in good condition, the state may test it for the virus. Use plastic gloves or bags when handling dead birds. Double bag the crow in see-through zip-lock bags, include your name, phone number and the exact address where the bird was found. Take it to your local health or police department or to the Bergen County Animal Shelter in Teterboro between 10 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Saturday. Decomposed birds will not be tested and should be disposed of with regular trash. Frequently Asked QuestionsQ. What are the key symptoms of West Nile Virus?A. The four key symptoms are a fever greater than 100 degrees, muscle weakness, altered mental state, and elevated levels of a protein in spinal fluid. Q. Why is a more aggressive program to control adult mosquitoes being implemented at this time?A. Due to the number of dead crows that had tested positive for West Nile Virus in Bergen County was evidence enough that the infection is present in the local bird population. Although we had not yet encountered infected mosquitoes, it was likely they are present in the area. Rain and warmer weather are causes for increases of adult mosquitoes. This was a major reason to make a more aggressive approach in controlling the adult mosquito population. Q. What will a "more aggressive approach" toward adult mosquito control entail?A. The strategy will be to enhance our existing mosquito control program. To date, the Bergen County Mosquito Commission's focus has been on killing mosquito larvae, or larviciding. Larviciding is an effective way of reducing the number of mosquitoes that hatch and become adults. In areas where adult mosquitoes of the type known to carry the virus have been found, adulticides were applied from trucks or hand-held units. Q. Why isn't aerial spraying being done in Bergen County?A. In densely populated metropolitan areas like Bergen County, it is probably more effective to apply adulticide from the ground. Flying conditions are not optimal at dawn, dusk and early evening hours, the times mosquitoes are most active. Q. How will areas be selected for adultciding?A. Areas of towns where dead crows have tested positive for the virus will be scheduled for adulticiding. These areas will be given an initial application of Scourge, with a follow-up application four days later, weather permitting. Further applications will be based on continued surveillance of adult mosquitoes. The application schedule should be shared with municipal police and health departments. Municipalities should notify residents of the scheduled application dates and times, noting weather permitting. Q. How will towns be notified about subsequent adulticide application schedules?A. Subsequent adulticide application schedules will be communicated to municipal police departments by the Bergen County Division of Emergency Management. The police will notify residents by various means of communication. Q. What is Scourge? Should residents take special precautions when spraying with Scourge is scheduled in their areas?A. The active ingredient in Scrouge is Resmethrin, which mimics the naturally occurring ingredient of the chrysanthemum flower. Scourge is one of the least toxic products specially formulated for adult mosquito control. Scourge fully degrades in less than four hours in sunlight, eliminating the worry of accumulation in the environment. Application of Scourge will be made at dawn when mosquitoes are active and fewer people are outside their homes. Residents may wish to know the times and dates of scheduled applications so they may take in toys, remain indoors and close windows as precautionary measures. Please note that air conditioners can be left on, but they vents to the outside should be off. You can re-circulate the air within the room without any problems. Q. What personal precautions can residents take to reduce the changes of a mosquito bite?
Q. What can homeowners do to reduce mosquitoes on their property?
Q. In addition to mosquito control, what other steps have been taken to protect the public?A. Surveillance activities will continue to be conducted on a number of levels to track the occurrence of West Nile virus in the county. Human Surveillance has been established between the local hospitals and the Bergen County Department of Health Services. Physicians and hospital staff have been alerted to symptoms and indications for further testing. Wild Bird Surveillance, Crows offer a sensitive means to detect the presence of West Nile virus in an area. Dead crows continue to be collected from around the county. Towns that have not submitted specimens are encouraged to do so. Residents should use gloves to handle dead crows. Crows that are not deteriorated and are in good condition for testing should be double bagged in zip lock bags and transported to the local health department or the Bergen County Animal Shelter. The shelter is accepting crows on Monday through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sentinel Chicken Surveillance, through periodic blood sampling, virus activity is monitored in special chicken flocks installed in the county for this purpose. Mosquito Surveillance, The Mosquito Control Division, in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services and Rutgers, is collecting and analyzing mosquito samples to check for the presence of the virus. The Bergen County Health Department has a hotline web site with all the latest information regarding West Nile Virus. Go to http://www.bergenhealth.org/healthtopics/westniletop.html or you can go the Bergen County Office of Emergency Management site at www.bcoem.org which also has a link to the County Health Department. The telephone number for the hotline is (201) 225-7000. The spraying of the adulticide "Scourge" was completed in River Vale in a one-mile radius of where a dead infected crow was discovered, in the southern end of the Township only. by two required applications - on August 25, 2000 and August 30, 2000. Both spraying were done between 3:00 and 6:00 a.m. Additional information may be obtained from the River Vale Board of Health (201) 358-7782. |