COVID -19: What we are doing, what you can do.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a declared pandemic throughout the country, so we want to share information with you about our department and what steps we are taking at OWL VFD to ensure the health and safety of you, our volunteers, and county staff.

 

For the public’s safety as well as our first responders, effective immediately, all of our public events have been postponed until further notice. This includes Bingo, ride-alongs, Public Education events, and station visits. As always, if you have an emergency, call 911.

 

What we are doing:

 

• The Prince William County Fire and Rescue System is conducting an informational call with the on-duty Battalion Chiefs and Safety Officers aimed at sharing real-time information regarding the response to Coronavirus.

 

• An email summary of that daily call is emailed to all OWL VFD members to keep them updated.

 

• Conducting upgraded procedures for the disinfecting of personnel, department, apparatus, and electronics.

 

• Upgraded uniforms and personal protective equipment on calls

 

• Identifying suspected and confirmed patients and utilizing upgraded procedures

 

These efforts, along with social distancing, bringing additional clothing to duty and continuing with regular handwashing and infection control procedures, are serving to reduce risk.

 

What you can do:

 

• Stay home if you are not feeling well.
• Model social distancing and practice good hygiene habits:
• Stop handshaking – use other non-contact methods of greeting
• Avoid touching your face and cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air-conditioning
• Use tap and pay to limit the handling of cash

 

How do I know if I am sick?

 

Symptoms per CDC: The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.*

• Fever
  Cough
  Shortness of breath

If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, call your medical provider.

How do I know when to call 911?

If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to arouse
• Bluish lips or face

*This list is not all-inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

 

Resources:

• Virginia Department of Health
• CDC
• Prince William County – Emergency Event Information