Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Thanksgiving is just around the corner! To help you enjoy a safe Thanksgiving, remember these precautions to protect the health of your family and your friends.

• If eligible, get a flu vaccine and a COVID-19 booster.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Wash your hands and cover coughs and sneezes.
• Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
• Use a food thermometer to make sure foods are cooked to a temperature hot enough to kill germs. Turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°.
• Germs that can make you sick grow quickly when food is in the “Danger Zone,” between 41°F and 135°F.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking. Divide leftovers into smaller portions to cool faster.
• Wash your hands with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds before preparing, eating, or handling food. Wash your hands after using the bathroom and touching pets.

The following Board of Health permits will be expiring soon and require online renewal through OpenGov:

• Permit to Operate a Food Establishment – expires December 31^st
• Tobacco Retailer Permit – expires December 31^st
• Dumpster Permit – expires December 31^st
• Funeral Director Permit– expires December 31^st
• Cryogenic Chamber Therapy – expires December 31^st
• Body Art – expires December 31^st

Renewal notifications were sent to current permit holders in October. Please contact the Health Department at (781) 751-9220 or visit www.dedham-ma.gov/health for more information.

Residents are encouraged to reach out to their heating and energy providers with any questions or concerns about costs or services. Eversource customers can learn more about Eversource’s extended payment plan by calling Eversource at 800-286-2828 (electric) or 800-438-2278 (gas). Residents may be eligible to apply for a wide range of support for families and households including fuel and energy assistance through Self Help Inc. To determine your eligibility, please call Self Help at (508) 588-5440.

More information can be found on the Town’s website: https://www.dedham-ma.gov/town-departments/health/utility-assistance-information

The Board has a limited supply of COVID-19/Flu tests available to residents. Residents can stop by the Health Department on the 3^rd floor of the Town Hall to pick up test kits. Residents and businesses with questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 are encouraged to contact the Health Department at (781) 751-9220.

From Your Board of Health,

• Emma Reidy, Chair
• Leanne Jasset, Vice-Chair
• Bernadette Chirokas, Member