2016 National Night Out in Fulton County - Tuesday, August 2

Fulton Fire Rescue to Unveil Three New Spartan Fire Engines at Welcome All Park Summer Camp

Summer campers will have the opportunity to “Touch a Fire Truck” at the closing ceremony for Welcome All Park Summer Camp. Fulton County Fire Rescue will roll-out its’ three new fire engines for campers to learn first-hand from firefighters about the new state of the art engines and why knowing fire safety rules could save their lives. The unveiling of the new trucks will take place Friday, July 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Welcome All Park and Multipurpose Center located at 4255 Will Lee Road, College Park, Georgia 30349.

“We wanted to share our excitement about the addition of our three new Spartan fire engines and who better to share our excitement with than the children,” states Chief Larry Few of the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department. “Adding these trucks to our fleet allows us to continue serving Unincorporated South Fulton County with the latest and greatest in fire protection equipment.”

About 200 summer campers will be able to climb into the truck’s cabs, touch the equipment and have their questions about the trucks answered by the firefighters who will be working on the trucks. “This event is our way of introducing the new trucks to the community,” states Chief Few.

The three (3) new Spartan Gladiator fire engines were purchased from Capital Funds for $450,000 each. The Gladiator Fire Engines were custom built by Spartan ERV located in Brandon, South Dakota. The commanding custom cab and chassis is built from the ground up to offer unmatched strength and performance. The spacious cab interior of the Spartan Gladiator provides ample room for crew members, equipment and storage. The platinum color cab is unique to Fulton County.

For more information about the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department, visit http://www.fultoncountyga.gov/fcfrd-home and follow them on Twitter @FCFRD.

Fulton County Selects New Chief Medical Examiner

Veteran forensic expert and pathologist, Dr. Jan Gorniak has been named the new Chief Medical Examiner for Fulton County.  She comes to the county after serving as Deputy Chief Medical Examiner in the District of Columbia for the past two years.  Prior to that position, Dr. Gorniak spent 5 years as Franklin County Coroner in Columbus, Ohio, serving as that county's first full-time forensic pathologist coroner. 

"Dr. Gorniak comes as a highly recommended and well-regarded expert in her field with a long list of achievements and accreditations," said Fulton County Manager Dick Anderson. "However, her tenure in several positions has also involved reaching out to the communities she serves to battle issues such as violence and drug abuse.  She truly cares about the communities she's served."

A native of the Bronx, New York, Dr. Jan Gorniak is a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners and the National Association of Medical Examiners.  She previously served on the Board of Directors of the Ohio State Coroners' Association.  She graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania and trained in anatomic pathology at the University Hospitals of Cleveland and in forensic pathology at the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office in Cleveland, Ohio.

 

Dr. Jan Gorniak is scheduled to begin her new duties on July 25, 2016.

Summer Food Program for Children Who Rely on School Meals

Families whose children rely on free or reduced price meals during the school year may struggle to provide nourishing meals in the summer months.  The statewide program “No Kid Hungry” is a way to help to those families—they can visit a number of places across the state and 41 locations in Fulton County for breakfast, lunch, snacks and/or dinner meals.  See the attached flyer for the schedule and locations of Fulton‘s FREE meals.  

The program is a service of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Office of Integrity and Strategy which oversees the state’s WIC program.  It is open to all children who are 18-years or younger.  There is no enrollment requirement and there is no cost.  Families in need can get more information about when and where to visit the sites in their neighborhoods by texting “Food” to 877-877.  They will be texted the number of the National Hunger Hotline where they can access information.   

Families may also visit this website: http://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks. They’ll find an interactive map that will direct them to the various meal venues.  WIC families can get more information in the health centers where they receive their WIC services.

Fulton County Senior Facilities Serve as Cooling Centers on Weekdays during Extreme Heat

Fulton County’s Aging and Youth Services Department, Senior Multipurpose Facilities are open to serve as Cooling Centers for seniors in need of a cooler environment.  The facilities are available to ensure the health and safety of seniors during days when temperatures are expected to rise as high as 100 degrees or more.

The four Senior Multipurpose Facilities are available from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to seniors living in Fulton County.  Aging and Youth Service staff members urge seniors without air conditioning to visit one of the four Senior Multipurpose Facilities. 

Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility
6500 Vernon Woods Dr.
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
404-613-4900 (Office)

H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility
2885 Church Street
East Point, GA 30344
404-762-4821 (Office)

Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility
677 Fairburn Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30331
404-613-8580 (Office)

Helene S. Mills Senior Multipurpose Facility
515 John Wesley Dobbs
Atlanta, GA   30312
404-523-3353 (Office)

The Atlanta Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) offers the following tips to help seniors and County residents to cope with extreme heat:

• Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Familiarize yourself with the medical conditions that can result from over-exposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke to help lessen health threats and harm.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.  Be careful not over-exercise them and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.

Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information on excessive heat watches and warnings.  For more information about. Emergency Preparedness in Fulton County, contact AFCEMA at 404-730-5600.

Citizens in need of reasonable accommodations due to a disability, including communications in an alternative format, should contact the Disability Liaison at 404-613-7944. To obtain Georgia Relay Access, citizens should dial 711.

Fulton County Offers Swimming Pool Precautions as Mid-Summer Heat Continues Tips to Avoid Injuries/Drownings and Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI)

As the mid-summer temperatures continue to soar, it is open swim time at more than 1,200 public swimming pools in Fulton County.  As residents enjoy the water, the Fulton County Health Department warns that accidental drownings among toddlers and youth and recreational water illnesses (RWI) among all swimmers can be avoided by practicing safety precautions.

Recreational water illnesses are caused by germs and chemicals found in the pool water. The germs are spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or having contact with contaminated water in pools and water parks, etc., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Fulton County’s Environmental Health specialists have been busy inspecting public pools to ensure water clarity and proper chlorine balance. The inspectors also check for the presence of prominently placed safety equipment, including proper gate height, 911 emergency phones and first aid kits.

“Some of the most common pool inspection violations are pools where the chemical readings are too low and where the flow meters are not working properly,” explains Fulton County’s Environmental Health Deputy Director Ellis Jones. Prior to entering a public pool, Jones recommends parents of young swimmers and adult swimmers check the pool’s latest inspection report.  Public pool inspection reports are to be placed in a visible location, typically near the pool entrance or in the main swimming area. To report a public pool safety hazard in Fulton County, call 404-613-1303.

The CDC and the American Red Cross recommend these additional safety precautions for swimmers: 

FIVE Tips to Prevent Swimming Pool Injuries and Accidental Drownings Before You Enter the Pool

• Check for a lifeguard.  If on duty, the lifeguard should be focused on the swimmers.
• If NO lifeguard is on duty, a “NO Lifeguard on Duty” sign should be posted. Swim at your own risk!
• Know where the safety equipment is located. 
• Use well-fitting Coast Guard approved life jackets for flotation rather than foam or air-filled toys.
• Don’t swim if pool drain covers are missing or broken, or can’t be clearly seen.

Four Tips to Prevent Recreational Water Illnesses (RWI) while in the Pool

• Don’t swim when you have diarrhea or have an open wound on your body.
• Shower before you enter the pool.  After leaving the pool, shower again for at least a minute.
• Don’t swallow the water.
• Don’t urinate or defecate in the water.

Fulton County Cooperative Extension offers Cooking Class for Cancer Prevention

Fulton County Cooperative Extension and the American Cancer Society are sponsoring a cooking class and a demonstration focused on good nutrition and cancer prevention. The class will be held from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the Collier Heights Recreation Center in Atlanta, 3691 Collier Dr. NW, Atlanta, Ga 30331. Registration is required.

Space is limited for this free event. Registration closes Friday, July, 8. To register, call (404)-613-7670 or send an email to harris@collierpark.us to notify of intent to attend.

Attendees learn how to reduce their risk of developing cancer by acquiring good eating habits and making healthier food choices. There will be food samples and prizes! 

For more information about attending this event contact Kristen Sumpter at (404)-613-7670 or via email kristen.sumpter@fultoncountyga.gov.

Fulton County PICH Program Supports #0to60 Campaign

The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness Partnerships to Improve Community Health (PICH) Program encourages everyone to participate in the #0to60 campaign created by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition (President’s Council) and the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.  For 60 years, the President’s Council has worked to create a healthier America.  The recently announced #0to60 campaign is a public education effort to inspire Americans to accelerate their journey to leading healthy, active lifestyles, in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the President’s Council. Get more information at www.0to60fitness.org.  

Similarly, the PICH Program and its partners are working to increase education about, opportunities for, and access to physical activity, healthy nutrition, and tobacco-free environments. By encouraging Fulton County residents to join the #0to60 campaign’s healthy habits and activities, together with its own programmatic efforts and those of its partner agencies, PICH supports Fulton County’s strategic mission to ensure that all people are healthy.   

PICH entered an agreement with Fulton County Schools to fund the implementation of innovative, creative Physical Education curricula in all Fulton County elementary and middle schools. At the pre-school level, PICH is sponsoring training and follow-on program support provided by HealthMPowers, a non-profit, evidence-based public health organization, for leaders and staff of more than 40-day care centers in developing and implementing healthy weight protocols incorporating good nutrition, physical activity and screen-time limits for the youngsters they oversee. PICH and partner Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) are working to bring bikeshare programs to areas of Fulton County and to promote the benefits of Complete Streets that create walkable, livable communities. Additionally, PICH community partner Health Promotion Action Coalition (HPAC) holds Pitch and Play events that educate community participants on current nutritional and active living childhood guidelines, combining a community café style discussion for parents with an active, fun jamboree for children. The PICH Program and HPAC are also collaborating on the recruitment of faith-based organizations to join the PICH Interfaith Active Living Initiative that provides educational materials, programming support and other resources to help the congregations launch or expand walking programs for youths and adults, set healthy living guidelines for all services and events, and facilitate fellowship with other faith-based groups around health-related activities.

The PICH Program is made possible by funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under cooperative agreement #IU58DP005568-01. For more information, please visit www.fultoncountyga.gov/partnership-to-improve-community-health.To learn more about Fulton County Health and Wellness, please visit www.fultoncountygahealth.org.  

Fulton County Fire Rescue Offers Tips for a Safe 4th of July

Although many types of fireworks are legal in Georgia, residents need to be careful when using them. Fulton County Fire Rescue Department offers fireworks safety tips for a fun July 4th celebration.

 “We want citizens to have fun, but safety is our first priority.” states Fulton County Fire Chief Larry Few. “Even though the new law expands the sale of fireworks, the best way to safely enjoy this 4th of July is to watch a public fireworks display conducted by professionals.”

Fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5-19 and adults 35-44.  Each July 4th, thousands of people, often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.

Adults are strongly urged to keep children away from fireworks, including sparklers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission provides the following tips:

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

The new state law governing fireworks, HB 110, has certain provisions and times that revelers should be aware of:

1. The new state law allows for fireworks to be sold statewide in Georgia.

2. Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight (12 a.m.).

3. On Jan. 1, July 3, July 4 and on Dec. 31, fireworks can be used from 10 a.m. through 2 a.m.

4. Fireworks cannot be exploded within 100 yards of a nuclear power facility or gas station, or a facility that refines, processes, or blends gasoline.

5. Persons must be at least 18 years of age to purchase fireworks.

Nearly 90 percent of the fireworks injuries reported to emergency departments involved fireworks permitted under federal regulations, with many suffering injuries to their heads, eyes and extremities. Sixty-three percent of these injuries were burns.

For more information about the Fulton County Fire Rescue Department, log-on to www.fultoncountyga.gov. Follow them @FCFRD on Twitter.

Fulton County Arts & Culture Wins 2016 National Associations of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award

The National Association of Counties (NACo) has awarded Fulton County Arts & Culture the 2016 Arts and Historic Preservation Achievement Award for the Fulton County Teen Artists Academy. 

The NACo Achievement Award, in the category of Arts and Historic Preservation, recognizes outstanding county efforts in using arts and cultural activities to enhance the quality of life, and the social needs of the community. The Fulton County Teen Artists Academy is an intensive summer arts program for young people ages 13 to18. Students receive instruction visual arts, music (instrumental and voice), dance, theater and film production.   

The Teen Artists Academy was established in 2006 at the Southwest Arts Center, offering artistic teens the opportunity to learn and experience art in an immersive four -week camp during the summer.  In 2015, Fulton County Arts & Culture expanded programming to include underserved teens at the West End Performing Arts Center with instruction in film production and visual arts focused programming at the Aviation Community Cultural Center.   

“Teen Artists Academy continues to grow as an innovative and an effective way to reach County youth” says Lionell Thomas, Director of Fulton County Arts & Culture “With many of the local school systems facing continued reductions of arts budgets and activities, the Fulton County Teen Artists Academy provides the community with continued arts education services.”

Students will present their culminating visual art exhibition at the Aviation Community Cultural Center, 8900 Aviation Circle, Atlanta, GA 30336, on Friday, June 24 from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. The 10th Annual Teen Artists Academy at Southwest Arts Center, 915 New Hope Road, Atlanta, GA 30331, closing production and exhibition will be held on Saturday, July 30, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. 

For more information please visit www.fultonarts.org.