Dog Days of Summer are here-be safe when you’re BBQing

Summer are here—Time for relaxing, traveling, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Summer is also a great time to fire up the BBQ and grill up some delicious eats. It’s important to make sure that safe food handling practices don’t go on vacation this summer! Follow these simple tips to prevent foodborne illness at your next cookout: Thawing … Read More

A Day in the Life of a Public Health Inspector: Special Events Edition

Many people know that Public Health Inspectors examine local food establishments like dine-in restaurants, fast food joints, and even your favourite corner convenience store. What many people don’t know is the role that PHI’s play when it comes to ensuring on-site safety of special events across Chatham-Kent. This year alone, your CK Public Health Inspectors were responsible for the inspection … Read More

A Day in the Life of a Public Health Inspector: Vector Borne Diseases Edition

Annoyed campers

Ah, Summer! Beaches, boating, ball games, BBQ’s, and Vector Borne Diseases. “Vector Borne Diseases” is a relatively LARGE term that is brought on by two incredibly small organisms; mosquitos and ticks –and with the warmer weather we are at an increased risk of coming into contact with these organisms. Thankfully, CK Public Health Inspectors have “got your back” and are … Read More

How to Safely Dispose of Needles

Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide on how to properly dispose of needles found on public or private property.   For more information please contact the CK Public Health  at 519.355.1071 ext. 5901 or email ckpublichealth@chatham-kent.ca    

Are you on a well in low-lying areas where flooding is occurring?

flooded back yard

Record high water levels and heavy rain fall have contributed to flooding in low lying areas and may cause septic systems to fail. If your drinking water comes from a well—test it immediately! Did you know that: Sewage can contain harmful bacteria such as E.coli If you are experiencing flooding—test your well water immediately to make sure it’s safe to … Read More

Heat Warnings

A half pie shape with three slices. Yello, orange and red with the words stay cool chatham-kent below

CK Public Health may issue a heat warning when Environment and Climate Change Canada predicts hot and humid weather. When we issue a heat warning—take extra precautions to protect yourself and loved ones from heat related health risks. We issue a heat warning when two consecutive days are forecasted to have a daytime high temperature greater than or equal to … Read More

What do you know about Blue-Green Algae?

Be aware of beach/river water.  If it appears bright green or pea soup in colour you need to know this: Blue-green algae are tiny plants that live in fresh water. Normally blue-green algae are barely visible, but, during warm weather, they can quickly increase to form a large mass called a bloom. Blooms most commonly occur during the late summer and … Read More

Four Things You Should Know After Experiencing a Flood

Make Sure your Food and Water is Safe! 1. If your food has been exposed to flood waters you should: Throw out all foods exposed to flood water—even if they were in fridges and freezers. This includes meat, fruits & vegetables, all boxed foods, jars or bottles (home preservatives included) and cans with large dents—these items can’t be properly disinfected. Do … Read More

An Update on Low Income Senior’s Dental Program

You’ve probably heard by now that the provincial government is rolling out a “Low Income Senior’s Dental Program.” This is exciting news! Although, we haven’t received all of the information yet! We want to keep the community updated as news and information is sent to us throughout this process. So, this is what we DO know: The new program specifically … Read More

May is Rabies Awareness Month

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that affects the brain and spinal cord of warm-blooded mammals, including humans. How do I get it? A bite or a scratch from an infected animal. It’s spread through their saliva. What will I see if an animal has Rabies? They may act weird or abnormal (wild animals may seem friendly … Read More

Is Your Family Prepared?

Severe storms, spring flooding, power outages, road closures. It’s an emergency! You’re at work, your kids are at school and your elderly parents live across town. The cell towers are down and phones don’t work, you can’t get home. What will you do? Developing a family emergency plan and discussing emergency situations ahead of time will help you and your … Read More