Jennifer Sullivan, Pawlet Health Officer
Telephone: 783-8951
Email: jsullivan135@gmail.com
Pawlet Health Officer Monthly Report March 2021
August 18, 2020: Vermont Emergency Management is distributing masks free of charge to towns at the level of 25% of the population. The masks are cloth and can be washed. Pawlet Emergency Management has acquired Pawlet’s allotment and we are ready to distribute to those who need masks. If you need a mask, send an email to RobertM850@aol.com and we will find a way to get them to you.
February 6, 2020, Notice: Bob Morlino has been the Town of Pawlet Health Officer for about 8 years and, due to other commitments, would like to vacate the position. Anyone interested can contact Bob at 802-325-2116 to learn more about what is involved. There is a $500/year stipend for this position. The general duties from the Town Health Officer Handbook are:
“Town health officers (THO) are given authority by Vermont law to investigate and mitigate any potential or existing public health hazard in their town. Each town has a local board of health made up of the town’s Selectboard and the THO. The THO investigates all complaints and has extensive authority to take emergency mitigation steps and may enforce any State health regulations and local health ordinances in their town.”
Meeting Minutes, Board Of Health, October 8, 2019
Notice from Health Officer Bob Morlino: All rental units must have smoke detectors (photoelectric type) and Carbon Monoxide detectors as required by the Vermont Building and Safety Code, Section 3, page 7
Notice from the Vermont Department of Health: Keep Your Home Safe from Carbon Monoxide
– Install a carbon monoxide alarm. Change the batteries regularly and replace the alarm when it expires.
– Have your heating system and other fuel-burning appliances serviced every year.
– Keep the vents outside your home clear of snow and ice.
– If you lose power, only use generators outside – at least 20 feet away from your house.
– Never run a vehicle inside your garage, even if the door is open.
Symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness and upset stomach/vomiting. This can sometimes be confused with the flu. If your CO alarm goes off, go outside immediately to get fresh air, then call 911.
For more tips and a video on carbon monoxide safety, visit: http://www.healthvermont.gov/
And check out more tips for staying safe during the winter: http://www.healthvermont.gov/
Notice from the Vermont Department of Health: Test Your Home for Radon
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present throughout Vermont, estimated to kill 50 Vermonters a year due to radon-related lung cancer. Because you can’t see, smell or taste radon, there is no way of knowing if radon is present in a home unless you test for it.
Homes with elevated radon levels are found throughout the state. All Vermont homes should be tested. You can view the radon risk map here or http://www.healthvermont.gov/tracking.
The Vermont Department of Health recommends all homes be tested. You can obtain a free long-term radon air test kit by calling 800-439-8550 or emailing radon@vermont.gov.