Flu Shots Available

The Southern Nevada Health District is offering flu shots for both the regular seasonal virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus based on the availability of vaccine. For up to date information on vaccine availability and clinic locations, visit the health district website at www.snhd.info or call the flu information line at 759-INFO (4636).

The H1N1 vaccine is initially being offered to those at risk for severe illness and complications. The priority groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:

·        Pregnant women

·        Caregivers and those who live with infants age six months or younger

·        Health care workers and emergency response personnel who have direct patient contact

·        Young people between the ages of six months and 24 years old

·        People who are 25 - 64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of complications from influenza.

In order to ensure those most at risk receive vaccine first the health district is offering injectable vaccine (when available) and FluMist to those in the priority groups most at risk. Once more vaccine is available the vaccine will be offered to the expanded priority groups and eventually the general public. It is anticipated there will be enough H1N1 flu shots and FluMist available for everyone who wants to be vaccinated.

The inhaled vaccine is recommended for healthy people between the ages of two and 49 who are in a CDC-recommended priority group currently being served by the health district. Due to limited doses, and in an effort to reserve the flu shots for those ineligible to receive the intranasal vaccine, including pregnant women, children younger than 2 years of age and those with certain chronic medical conditions, the health district is urging everyone eligible for the intranasal vaccine to receive the FluMist. The H1N1 influenza vaccine is free. Check the health district’s website for updated clinic dates and times.

Until adequate immunization rates for H1N1 are achieved, the best way to prevent influenza is to practice good health habits. The Southern Nevada Health District continues to monitor for the seasonal and novel 2009 H1N1 influenza strains. As of the end of October 2009, there have been more than 1500 laboratory-confirmed H1N1 cases in Clark County; however, the number of reported cases represents a small percentage of residents who have been infected with H1N1 as most do not seek medical care.

The health district encourages everyone to get a regular seasonal flu shot especially high-risk individuals including people 50 and over, pregnant women, health care workers, individuals between six months old and 49 with certain medical conditions, and household contacts of individuals who are at high risk. The health district does have a limited supply of adult vaccine at this time and seasonal flu shots are also available in doctor’s offices, pharmacies and clinics throughout the community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also encourages flu vaccinations for children between the ages of six months and 59 months.

For additional information visit www.SouthernNevadaHealthDistrict.org or www.snhd.info or call the Nevada Helpline, (702) 759-4636 (INFO). The health district is also available on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.

Holiday safety

As we see the holiday season approaching, criminals see an increase in opportunities to commit crimes. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department suggests these simple tips to assist you in having a safe and happy holiday season. A thief is looking for easy targets and anything you can do to prevent them from choosing you, your home or your vehicle the better. 

When Shopping:

·       

Be ALERT and AWARE of your surroundings and pay attention to who is around you and what activities are happening

·        Don’t leave the safety of a building or your vehicle until you have ensured all is secure and safe.

·        Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable with a place or person(s), get away.

·        Park in a well-lit area.

·        Remember to lock your vehicle.

·        Keep doors and windows locked while you are in your vehicle and especially when you are not.

·        Use anti-theft steering wheel clubs or locks as well.

·        Minimize the number of valuables left in your vehicle and keep valuables, electronics (including cell phones and DVDs), gifts and other “theft attractors” out of sight.

·        Don't leave packages and boxes visible through car windows. Lock them in the trunk or take them directly home.

·        Protect your purse or wallet. Keep your purse close to your body, not dangling loosely and clean out any unnecessary items before leaving home. Put your wallet in your front pants pocket or in an inside coat pocket.

·        Don’t carry large amounts of cash or extra credit cards.

·        Carry only those cards that you will need to use that day.

·        Keep a master list of all cards so if your wallet is stolen, they can be reported promptly to the appropriate banking facility.

·        Never leave your purse, wallet or cell phone unattended in a public place.

·        Don’t overburden yourself with packages while shopping; always keep one hand free.

·        Shop with a buddy – there is safety in numbers.

·        Role-play with children about what should happen in the event you are separated.

·        Have your keys out and ready when you return to your vehicle.

·        Do not leave your car unattended with the motor running or with the keys in the ignition – even for the very short time needed to do a quick errand or pay for fuel.

Shopping Online:

• Only make online purchases from trusted, secure websites such as companies you know and make sure that the sites comply with industry security standards.
• Look for “https” in the web address to verify security.
• Familiarize yourself with the rules and policies of online stores and auction sites.
• Keep your personal information private and keep your password secure.  Do not respond to requests for your password or credit card information unless you initiate the transaction. 

At Home:

• Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.).
• Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or that are activated by sensors.
• Place gifts where they can’t be seen from the outside.
• Avoid opening the door to strangers. Legitimate delivery people will be able to show identification.
• Investigate charities before donating by calling the Nevada State Attorney General’s Office or the charity’s main office.
• Be sure to mail cards with money, checks or gift certificates from the Post Office or a blue US Postal Service collection box
• If traveling, use timers for lights and radios while you’re away. Ask a trusted friend, neighbor or Neighborhood Watch group Captain or member to watch your home. And remember to make arrangements for mail and newspapers.

At Work:

• Lock Up gifts purchased during lunch in a safe place.
• Always keep your keys and wallet with you.
• Secure all purses, wallets or other valuables in a locked drawer or cabinet. Keep them out of plain sight for everyone!
• Don't be embarrassed to question unfamiliar faces in the office.
• Call Metro Police 311 right away to report suspicious activity or persons. Criminals usually call or visit to check out who is paying attention and who isn’t.
• Secure you office when stepping out even for a minute.
• Don't announce that you are leaving town during the holidays.
• Don't discuss information about co-workers' plans to callers.
• Keep petty cash in a secured area.

When Driving:

• Recognize that the holidays can cause stress – keep emotions under control while driving. Give other drivers plenty of space and always leave yourself a route to avoid an accident.
• If you attend parties where alcohol is served, remember to use a designated driver.
• Prepare for winter driving conditions and equip your vehicle with cold weather emergency supplies.
• Minimize distractions such as talking on a cell phone.
• Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue, especially when driving long distances. If you get tired, stop and rest until you’re able to drive with full attention.
• Buckle up! That means passengers and kids, too.
• Be patient! Give yourself extra time for travel, especially in snow or rain. Even in dry conditions, traffic during the holidays is heavier than normal, and it will take longer than you expect to get around.

After the holidays:

• Pay close attention to bills and report any unauthorized charges.
• Photograph and record the serial numbers.
• Photograph and record the serial numbers of new items and add them to your inventory. Through your Neighborhood Watch Group join “OPERATION IDENTIFICATION.”
• Operation Identification is a citizen's burglary prevention program for use in homes and business. The Operation Identification program involves the marking of property with an identifying number and properly completing a home/business inventory list. This program is a means of discouraging burglary and theft. In communities where it has been properly implemented, Operation Identification has shown dramatic results in its ability to reduce burglaries.

For more information on Crime Prevention programs contact the Enterprise Area Command - Crime Prevention Detail at (702) 828-5804 or C7859F@lvmpd.com.

Volunteers and donations are needed to help with the upcoming Project Homeless Connect, which helps thousands of homeless in Southern Nevada find food, clothing, transportation, job training, healthcare, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment and other services. Almost 300 attendees found housing through last year’s event. 

Project Homeless Connect is free to the homeless who will be able to check-in from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Cashman Center at 850 N. Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas. More than 1,000 volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks including escorting the homeless around the event, working the check-in table and post-event cleanup. Volunteers will be asked to arrive by 7 a.m. and stay until 4 p.m. but may spend a half-day at the event, starting or ending their day at noon. For more information about volunteering at Project Homeless Connect call (702) 340-8821 or visit www.HelpHopeHome.org. 

Donations of items such as T-shirts, socks and nonperishable food to give away during the event are still needed. Monetary donations are also appreciated and needed. For more information about donating to the event call (702) 340-8821. 

A comprehensive census conducted in January 2009 revealed an average of 13,000 homeless people staying in shelters or on the streets at any given time, and more than 50,000 instances of people becoming homeless over the course of a year. 

Project Homeless Connect is a day-long event formerly known as Stand Down for the Homeless, which gives people “a hand up, not a hand out.” During last year’s event on Oct. 8, 2008 more than 900 volunteers helped nearly 3,400 homeless people receive help with food, clothing, grooming, housing, transportation, job readiness, healthcare, mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, child care, veterans and legal services. In addition, nearly 300 attendees were placed in housing during and after the event. 

Project Homeless Connect is coordinated by the SNRPC Committee on Homelessness’ Office of the Regional Homeless Services Coordinator and the Nevada Homeless Alliance (NHA). The Office of the Regional Homeless Services Coordinator works with local governments and other agencies, faith houses, advocacy groups and others concerned with the issues of homelessness and affordable housing through a coordinated and regional approach to planning and service provision. The NHA works with local agencies, volunteer groups, faith-based organizations and the corporate sector to create effective partnerships and promote collaboration through advocacy, events and education. 

The event is also supported by Clark County and the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Boulder City. Event participants are expected to include Clark County Social Service, the City of Las Vegas, Las Vegas and county courts, emergency shelter and housing providers, Nevada Health Centers, employment training agencies, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department HELP (Homeless Evaluation Liaison Project) Team, street outreach service providers, state welfare and mental health agencies, the Veterans Administration, faith-based groups and various social service providers. 

Know Your Neighborhood. Attend First Tuesday 

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's 1st Tuesday program is an excellent opportunity for citizens to get involved with their police department. 

On the first Tuesday of every month, police open the doors of local substations (also called area commands) from 7 to 8 p.m. for the community to have an open forum to communicate with the police officers who patrol their neighborhoods. 

Each month a different area of the police department is highlighted so the community can get a better idea of what goes on "behind the scenes" throughout the different sections of the department. 

Please visit the substation near you on First Tuesday:

• Enterprise, 6975 W. Windmill Lane, (702) 828-2843 and 828-2844
• South Central Area Command, 4860 Las Vegas Blvd. South, (702) 828-8272

County Requests $431 million in Stimulus Funds

Agencies throughout Clark County have applied for $431.5 million in stimulus funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The grants are intended to help communities with foreclosure recovery, infrastructure repair, energy efficiency, educational opportunities and other programs aimed at protecting those with the greatest need. To date, Clark County has been awarded $42.6 million in stimulus money, including $16.3 million for new public works projects.

The County is continuing to seek stimulus funding opportunities through the Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The County is competing with other states for the remainder of the money, so there is no guarantee that the projects will be funded and if so, how much will be funded.

The public can track the status and spending of these grants in a Web page posted at www.accessclarkcounty.com  designed to increase transparency. The County is adding new features to the site so citizens can view more information about stimulus-funded projects, including project descriptions, start and finish times and the number of jobs created.

The largest grant application awaiting approval is $367 million for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program II. Clark County will serve as the lead agency for managing a foreclosure recovery program in unincorporated Clark County and the cities of Henderson, Las Vegas and North Las Vegas. The grant will help with the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes in areas that are disproportionately affected by the foreclosure crisis.

Keeping Our Parks and Vacant Lands Clean  

Keeping illegal dumping in check not only means keeping native habitat cleaner, but also focuses valuable staff hours on parks that residents enjoy. For more information regarding Clark County Parks or park maintenance residents, you may call (702) 455-8200 or access the Clark County Parks and Recreation Department online.

District F Map