Burlco Bits

Give the Gift of Health This Valentine's Day

Starting Feb. 14, the Burlington County Health Department will be offering free immunizations at once-a-month clinics.

Know what makes a great Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetheart? A free immunization. No? OK, maybe it’s not the most romantic idea, but it’s hard to argue with being healthy. As such, starting February 14 the Burlington County Health Department will begin offering adult immunization clinics to county residents from 3-6 p.m. every second Thursday of the month. As the senior citizen population continues to grow, the freeholders and the Health Department hope to reach the many adults who need important immunizations but are unable to receive them due to lack of coverage or high cost. The clinics, held at the Health Department, will offer the following immunizations: “Vaccines are as important to your overall health as diet and exercise. …

• Photos (1)

Subfreezing Temperatures Bring Code Blue Weather Warning

Burlington County issued a warning for the next two days.

With subfreezing temperatures predicted for the next two nights, and wind chill factors dipping below 20 degrees, the Burlington County Health Department declared a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency.  The Code Blue will started at 8 p.m. Jan. 3 and remain in effect through 8 a.m. Saturday. Officials will then review and assess upcoming weather conditions. According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, the low on Friday night will be around 25, with a west wind about 10 miles per hour. A Code Blue declaration is made in Burlington County when winter conditions pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter. When a Code Blue is enacted it provides for short-term emergency sheltering. Individuals can call …

• Photos (1)

Burlco Bits

Code Blue Declared for BurlCo

Temperatures are expected to drop below freezing tonight and tomorrow morning—with wind chill in the teens.

With the wind chill expected to drop into the teens overnight, accompanied by strong winds and freezing temperatures, the Burlington County Health Department has declared a Code Blue Cold Weather Emergency starting at 7 p.m. tonight, which will remain in effect through 9 a.m. Friday. Officials will review and assess upcoming weather forecasts tomorrow determine whether it should be extended.  A Code Blue declaration is made when winter conditions pose a threat of serious harm or death to individuals without shelter. When a Code Blue is enacted it provides for short-term emergency sheltering. Individuals can call CONTACT of Burlington County at 856-234-8888 or 866-234-5006 for a list of available shelters and additional Code Blue …

• Photos (1)

UPDATE: Toxic Fumes Clear Out Panera Bread

Several employees became sick from the fumes—caused by cleaning materials—and were taken to the hospital after the restaurant opened Friday morning.

Noxious fumes cleared out the Panera Bread on Nixon Drive late Friday morning, sending several employees to the hospital. Matt Orsini, deputy chief of the Lenola Fire Company, said a combination of chemicals used by cleaning crews overnight resulted in a "bad atmosphere," causing several employees of the restaurant to come down with symptoms (sore throat, nausea) this morning. He said approximately seven were transported to area hospitals for evaluation, and a few others drove themselves to the hospital between 5:30-7 a.m., though the fire department wasn't called until shortly after 11 a.m. Orsini didn't have any further information about their condition.  Sgt. Lee Lieber, public information officer for Moorestown Police, said the effects…

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Terry

11:47 pm on Friday, September 7, 2012

A friend of mine who works at a store next door to the Panera said that as a precaution they closed their store too. I happened to be shopping nearby at the time, and there was a helicopter hovering overhead for the longest time. Was a little freaky not knowing why it was there, until my friend filled me in.   more ›

Burlington County Conducting Free Lead Testing for Kids' Toys

The event is Friday at the county health department building in Westampton.

In recognition of Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, the Burlington County Health Department will conduct free lead testing for children’s toys from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Burlington County Health Department off Woodlane Road in Westampton. “Lead poisoning is preventable. The key is stopping children from coming into contact with products that contain lead,” said Burlington County Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien. “One way is for parents to take advantage of our free testing program.” A child’s brain grows the fastest between birth and 6 years of age. Exposure to lead, a highly toxic metal, can have serious health effects in children. Children with high blood-lead levels can suffer from damage to the brain and nervous system, …

• Photos (1)

County: Bird Positive for West Nile

Areas will be sprayed Wednesday night.

Officials at the Burlington County Health Department received its first report that a bird has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), the county confirmed Tuesday. The bird, a blue jay, was found in Tabernacle on Sept. 20.  Robert Gogats, health officer for the county, is urging residents to limit mosquito breeding areas around their homes. "Persons who are over 50 years of age are at the highest risk for serious illness due to West Nile Virus," he said. "People need to take seriously the advice to avoid mosquito bites around dusk and in the hours following it.” Protection measures include: Source reduction activities include:  Mosquito traps placed at the Maple Shade Sewage Treatment Plant, Palmyra Sewage Treatment Plant and a …

• Photos (1)