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December 7, 2007

Contents


The Holidays Are Here and So Is The Flu Season

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) offers the flu vaccines at its seven health centers to people in high-risk groups. Children from the age of 6 months to 5 years, pregnant women, people age 50 or older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions and/ or people who live with or care for those at high risk described above are eligible.

HDHHS offers vaccines on a sliding scale basis. It is free to some clients while others pay $5 or $15.

For more information about the location of the centers where the vaccine is available, call the city’s 311 information line or 713-794-9276 or visit: www.houstonhealth.org.


Houston Joins Statewide Challenge to Reduce Energy Consumption
Take the challenge and change a bulb today

The City of Houston has joined in the statewide campaign, “Lighten Up Texas,” to encourage Houstonians to change a lightbulb and put money back in their pockets!

And to prove it, Mayor Bill White has proclaimed the month of December 2007, as Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) month in Houston, Texas.

Get more information at “Lighten Up Texas” https://houstonpowertopeople.com/lighten.html.


The Houston Fire Department’s Annual Toy Drive Begins

Now through December 18th, you can drop a new, unwrapped toy by any of our 90 Houston Fire Department’s fire stations. Due to the tremendous demand for toys, we cannot accept any clothing donations.

For a complete list of fire stations and their locations, please visit www.houstonfire.org. For more information on how you can donate a new toy call Houston Fire Department, Public Affairs at 713-495-7900.


Two Airlines Expand Service to Houston

The Inaugural flight of Emirates’ new non-stop direct passenger service from Houston to Dubai on December 3rd demonstrates the city’s growing vitality. Also in January, City Star Airlines introduces all business class, non-stop direct service between Houston and Aberdeen, Scotland.

For more information about the Houston Airport system visit: www.houstonairportsystem.org.


Mayor Presents Plan to Clean Houston’s Air

Working hard to reduce pollution being released into our air, Mayor Bill White has proposed the “Houston Regional Benzene Air Pollution Reduction Plan.”

Through a cooperative approach, a cleaner industry will face fewer hurdles to expansion in our region, without endangering public health.

To know more about the “Houston Regional Benzene Air Pollution Reduction Plan” visit: www.houstontx.gov/environment/reports/benzenereductionplan.pdf.


Celebrate The Holidays and Keep Your Family Safe

The Holidays are here. It is time to visit friends and family.

The start of a New Year is also a great time to change the batteries in smoke detectors.

If you want to prevent a fire tragedy during the holidays, please visit www.houstonfire.org.


New Year’s Resolution to Stop Smoking

Tobacco use is the No.1 cause of preventable death in the United States. Every year over 400,000 people die from smoking related illnesses. That’s an average of 1,200 people daily. Secondhand smoke kills 53,000 non-smokers a year.

Houston Crack Down, DAPA Behavioral Health Specialists and their partnership with The American Cancer Society have established the“Quit Line” which offers free counseling and support to help people quit smoking.

Dial 1-877-YES-QUIT, available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.


Campaign to Corral Grease Could Help Reduce Wasteful Spending

Every time we pour cooking Fats, Oils or Greases down the kitchen drain, we clog our drainage pipes and sooner or later these clogs cause sewage back-ups that affect the entire neighborhood and cost us all money.

Residents can prevent this expensive mess by pouring excess Fats, Oils and Grease into a heat-tolerant, sealable bag, can or jar.

For more information on how you can reduce sewer line blockages that cost you money visit: www.publicworks.houstontx.gov/utilities/corral_grease.htm.


Houston Public Library Wants to Hear from You

Providing extraordinary customer service is one of the Houston Public Library's primary goals. As part of these efforts, the Library will be conducting a Customer Survey the week of Sunday, December 9th - Saturday, December 15th.

CitizensNet subscribers can get the early jump using the following link: www.houstonlibrary.org/cgi-bin/user_survey/survey_08.pl.

You also can complete the survey in hard-copy form available at any Library location during that week.

Please take a few moments during your next visit to your neighborhood Library or while you are visiting the Library online to let us know how we can better serve you.


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