#PartySafe tips

Posted Wednesday September 12, 2018

Posted By: Christine Taylor

Category: General

These tips will help keep you safe and healthy.

Whether you’re going out for a drink or plan to party all night long, know these party safe tips before going out:

PARTY SAFE !

• Don’t mix drugs with other substances like alcohol
• Using more than one drug at a time increases the risk of overdose
• Stay hydrated with water and take breaks from dancing to prevent dehydration and overheating
• Don’t accept drinks (even water) from people you don’t know - there is increased risk of alcohol and drug-facilitated sexual assaults at large festivals
• When you arrive at the festival, take a moment to find the first aid tent just in case you need to seek help for yourself or someone else

SPEAK UP!

Don’t be afraid to say if you feel unsafe or don’t feel well Seek help from friends or #FirstAid providers. If you have been sexually assaulted or experienced abuse Help is: Ottawa Coalition To End Violence Against Women

www.StopOverdoseOttawa.ca 

TICKS
There are many health benefits from being active and enjoying the outdoors; however, if you are in outdoor areas suitable for #ticks, for example, wooded areas or areas with tall grasses, you need to be aware of the risk of Lyme disease

• Applying an approved insect repellent containing #DEET or #icaridin
• Doing a tick check on yourself, your children, and pets
• Checking your pet daily for ticks, especially if it spends time in wooded or overgrown areas
• Removing ticks as soon as possible. If you find a tick on your body, using fine-pointed tweezers, grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible and pull slowly until the tick is removed. Do not twist or rotate the tick. Do not use a match, lotion or anything else on the tick.

MOSQUITOES
You can help protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by following the tips below.

• Apply an approved mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing
• Insect repellents containing DEET can be used safely when applied as directed and in the right concentration, depending on age. Visit the Health Canada website to find out which concentration of DEET is best for you and your children
• Wear long pants, loose-fitting, long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks to limit exposed skin. Be aware that mosquitoes are attracted to darker colours and can still bite through thin, clingy clothing
• Try to avoid spending time outdoors between dusk and dawn since this is when mosquitoes are most active. #Mosquitoes are also active during the day in or near shady and wooded areas

STAY SAFE AROUND LAKES AND RIVERS
#WaterSafety

• We have safety tips for preventing drowning and other injuries, sun safety reminders and suggestions for preventing infections while enjoying sun, sand and water
• Ottawa has four public beaches and many outdoor and indoor pools, wading pools and splash pads to enjoy.
• Public beach water is tested daily and results are shared online.
• Visit www.OttawaPublicHealth.ca/Beaches beach locations, water testing results and hours of operation for on-duty lifeguards.
• Always keep children #WithinArmsReach in and around water.
• Ensure that children and weaker swimmers wear #lifejackets or personal flotation devices (#PFD) in and around water.
• #WatchMe, not your cell phone.
• Always directly supervise children around the water - if you’re not within arms’ reach, you’ve gone too far.
• Know what to do in an emergency, including CPR and calling 9-1-1 

FOOD SAFETY

To report a concern about a food vendor call Ottawa Public Health at 613-580-6744 or call 3-1-1 or write to us at healthsante@ottawa.ca

FOOD SAFETY TIPS ON-THE-GO
Always wash your hands before eating and before and after handling food

• Scrub your fruits and vegetables with cold running water before eating or cutting into them.
• Keep cold foods cold at four degrees Celsius or less
• Keep food safe by packing frozen ice packs. If perishable foods have been stored at room temperature for more than two hours, throw them out
• Use insulated bags or coolers and store them away from the sun and other heat sources
  Cooking Temperature Chart: http://ow.ly/FGJ130kEXfX 

OTTAWA IS SMOKE-FREE 
There is no safe level of second hand smoke, even outdoors. 
Smoking, including the use of water pipes, is not allowed indoors in public places and in these outdoor spaces: 

• All City property, including parks, playgrounds, beaches, and sports fields
• All bar and restaurant patios
• All school and hospital properties

If you want help to quit smoking, contact www.myquit.ca or call 1-877-376-1701

SEX IT SMART

• In Ottawa, gonorrhea, chlamydia and infectious syphilis have been increasing and many cases go undiagnosed.  
• Condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) & unintended pregnancies.
• Sex without a condom is the top risk factor in people diagnosed with an STI. 
• Go to www.SexItSmart.ca to find out where you can access free condoms across the city.

Back to Blog