Gove County Health Department

11/21/2025

⚡ Electrical & Lighting Safety

Use outdoor-rated extension cords and light strings.

Check bulbs and wiring for cracks or exposed wires before hanging.

Turn off or unplug lights before replacing bulbs or adjusting decorations.

Use a GFCI (Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet for outdoor plugs.

Set timers or smart plugs to automatically turn lights off overnight.

11/19/2025

🎄 Step Up Safely — Ladder Safety for Holiday Decorating

Falls are one of the top holiday injuries. Whether you’re hanging lights, trimming trees, or decorating the house, follow these tips to make sure your season stays merry—and injury-free.

🪜 Top 10 Ladder Safety Tips

Inspect before you climb. Check for loose rungs, cracks, or missing feet. Don’t use damaged ladders.

Set it right. Place the ladder on a flat, stable surface. Avoid icy, soft, or uneven ground.

Follow the 4-to-1 rule. For every 4 feet of ladder height, move the base 1 foot away from the wall.

Lock it in. Ensure extension ladder locks are fully engaged before climbing.

Keep three points of contact. Always have two hands and one foot—or two feet and one hand—on the ladder.

Don’t reach or lean. Move the ladder instead of overextending your body.

Climb light. Carry tools in a belt or hoist them up with a rope—never in your hands while climbing.

Have a helper. Ask someone to hold the ladder steady and spot you from below.

Watch the weather. Avoid climbing in wind, rain, or snow; metal ladders and electricity don’t mix!

Follow electrical safety. Keep ladders and lights at least 10 feet away from power lines.

11/17/2025

🚗 Parking Lot & Travel Tips

Stay alert backing out of spots; pedestrians and carts are everywhere.

Hold keys ready in hand when walking to your vehicle.

If shopping late or alone, ask store security to es**rt you to your car.

Keep emergency supplies, a flashlight, and a charged phone on hand.

11/14/2025

💻 Online Shopping Safety

Shop trusted sites only. Look for “https” and verified retailers.

Use secure payment methods. Credit cards or payment apps with fraud protection—never wire transfers or gift cards.

Avoid public Wi-Fi for transactions; use your mobile data or a private network.

Watch for scams. Be cautious of emails or ads offering deals that look “too good to be true.”

Monitor bank accounts for unusual activity after big sale weekends.

11/12/2025

🛍️ Stay Smart, Stay Safe — Black Friday Safety Tips from Gove County Health Department

Excitement is high on Black Friday—but so are risks. Crowded stores, busy parking lots, and online scams can spoil the savings. Protect yourself, your wallet, and your wellbeing with these quick reminders.

🧍‍♀️ In-Store Shopping Safety

Plan ahead. Know store hours and entry times; avoid rushing or pushing.

Stay aware. Keep phones tucked away while walking through parking lots or crowds.

Mind your purse and wallet. Carry minimal cash, keep bags zipped, and never leave them in carts.

Park smart. Park in well-lit areas and lock your car. Keep purchases in the trunk, out of sight.

Stay calm. If tempers flare or crowds surge, back away and alert store staff or security.

Bring patience—and hydration. Long lines and early hours can add stress. Take breaks when needed.

Travel in pairs. Shop with a friend for safety and convenience.

11/11/2025

11/10/2025

Quick Kitchen Readiness Checklist

✅Working smoke alarms on every level; tested this week

✅Class K or ABC fire extinguisher in the kitchen, everyone knows how to use it

✅Lids/metal baking sheet within reach to cover a small pan fire

✅ Oven mitts and towels stored away from burners

✅Timer or smart speaker set for each dish

✅Clear 3-ft zone around the stove—no kids, no pets

✅ Turkey fryer plan: outdoors only, level ground, proper oil level, fully thawed and dried turkey

✅Emergency plan reviewed: Call 9-1-1, meet outside

11/06/2025

Thanksgiving brings full plates—and busy kitchens. Most home cooking fires start on the stovetop. Stay with the heat, keep a three-foot kid-free zone, and keep towels and decorations away from burners. If a small grease fire starts, turn off the burner and slide a lid over the pan—never use water. Frying a turkey? Do it outside on level ground, away from buildings. For big or spreading fires, get out and call 9-1-1. This message is from your Gove County Health Department—wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

11/05/2025

Keep the Thanks in Thanksgiving — Cook Safely, Gove County!
Most home cooking fires start on the stovetop and peak around Thanksgiving. Protect your family and neighbors with these quick tips.
Top 10 Kitchen Safety Tips

1. Stay with the heat. If you leave the kitchen, turn off the stovetop.

2. Keep kids and pets back. Create a 3-foot “kid-free zone” around the stove and hot foods.

3. Clear the area. Keep towels, oven mitts, packaging, and decorations away from burners.

4. Turn handles in. Prevent spills and burns by turning pot handles toward the back.

5. Dry and thaw foods completely before frying; water and hot oil do not mix.

6. Use a timer and set phone or smart speaker reminders for every dish.

7. Check appliances. Don’t overload outlets; keep cords off hot surfaces.

8. Have a lid and oven mitts ready to smother small pan fires; keep a Class K or ABC extinguisher nearby.

9. Turkey fryers: Only outdoors, on level ground, far from buildings—no decks or garages.

10. Test smoke alarms today and replace batteries if needed.

11/03/2025

Fall Seasonal Produce

Cooler weather is here! 🍂 That means cozy family nights, soup season recipes, and fresh fall produce at your local farmer’s market or grocery store! 🍏

This season, try making a big pot of vegetable soup 🍲 with your family’s favorite fall produce like this Texas WIC recipe for Minestrone soup: https://texaswic.org/recipes/hearty-minestrone-italian-vegetable-soup

10/31/2025

WIC Approved Food of the Month: Corn
It’s corn! 🌽 A big lump with k***s, it has the juice! 🍿I can’t imagine a more beautiful thing! 🎶

Not only is corn tasty, it also helps support your gut and digestive health since corn contains both soluble and insoluble fiber! 🙌

Soluble fiber breaks down and forms a gel in your intestines and can help regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Insoluble fiber does not break down which means the corn kernel outer shells pass through your digestive system and can act as a prebiotic which can support a healthy gut microbiome!

What are your favorite ways to eat corn in the fall?