Transcript: Health and Safety Podcast

May 29, 2024

Hello, and welcome to the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast. Coming up, learn about bank jugging, hands-only CPR and NOAA forecasts an above-normal hurricane season this year. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

 

To protect yourself from becoming a victim of a bank jugging, the Fairfax County Police Department encourages you to take precautions, such as:

• Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to anyone who may be observing your activities outside a bank or financial institution.
• Conceal cash and bank-related items: Store cash in a discreet manner, such as in a purse or wallet, and avoid displaying bank bags or envelopes that may draw attention. Do not leave cash unattended in your vehicle. If you do, consider locking it in the glove box.
• Vary your routine: Criminals often look for patterns, so it is advisable to change your habits regarding banking and cash withdrawals.
• Secure your vehicle: Ensure that your vehicle is locked, windows are closed, and valuables are not visible, reducing the likelihood of becoming a target.
• Report suspicious activity: If you notice someone acting suspiciously or believe you are being followed, report it to the police as soon as possible.

It is important to remember that jugging robberies can occur in different locations and circumstances, so remaining vigilant and taking appropriate safety measures is essential to minimize the risk of becoming a victim.

 

According to the American Heart Association, most people who experience cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location die because they don’t receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene. As a bystander, don’t be afraid. Your actions can only help. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique that can help someone who is not breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. Hands-only CPR is a type of CPR that involves chest compressions but not mouth-to-mouth breaths. Here's how to do Hands-only CPR:

• Check if the person is unresponsive by tapping and asking, "Are you okay?"
• Call 9-1-1 or have someone else call.
• Place one hand on the center of their chest and the other hand on top.
• Position yourself to push straight down.
• Push hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches deep.
• Give 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Keep going until help arrives or the person revives.

Hands-only CPR can save lives, so don't hesitate to use it if someone needs help. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Learn more on the fire and rescue blog, https://ffxfirerescue.wordpress.com,  or watch an instructional video on the fire and rescue YouTube channel, @FairfaxCountyFireandRescue.

 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has released its forecast for the upcoming 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. According to NOAA, conditions are favorable for above-normal hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin this year.

• NOAA forecasts a range of 17 to 25 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher).
• Of those, 8 to 13 are predicted to become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher).
• Additionally, 4 to 7 major hurricanes (category 3 or higher with winds of 111 mph or higher) are expected.
• NOAA has a 70% confidence in these ranges for the 2024 season, which runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.

NOAA urges individuals and communities to prepare for the potential impacts of hurricanes this season. Stay informed, have a plan and heed all warnings from local officials. In addition, be sure to sign up for severe weather alerts from Fairfax Alerts, www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts. Learn more about hurricane season, and steps you can take to prepare, on our emergency blog; www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog.

Finally, each month the Department of Emergency Management and Security produces an “Emergency Preparedness” newsletter as well as a monthly preparedness webinar. Learn more and sign up for free at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergencymanagement.

 

That’s it for this edition of the Fairfax County Health and Safety Podcast, produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government. Thanks for listening. Additional information about health and safety topics and emergency preparedness may be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov. And remember, if you have a police, fire or medical emergency, call 9-1-1. For non-emergency needs, call 703-691-2131.