July 2009 www.hamptonroadsmessenger.com
The Hampton Roads Messenger
13
Around Hampton Roads
Portsmouth to Receive $2 Million for
Possession or Use of Fireworks
Foreclosed Properties
is Strictly Prohibited in the City of
Virginia Beach
Portsmouth, VA Governor Timothy M. Kaine has announced that the City of Portsmouth
will receive $2 million of Neighborhood Stabilization Funding to purchase and
rehabilitate foreclosed homes that will be sold to low-to-moderate income families.
Did you know that according to a new report from the National Fire Protection
The City of Portsmouth applied for and will receive $2 million from the Department
Association that on Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported
of Housing and Community Development which can be used in a maximum of three
than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other
neighborhoods where the foreclosure rate is at or above 10%. Properties have been
cause of fires? In 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires, including
identified in the neighborhoods of Westhaven Park, Cradock, and Prentis Park.
1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires and 30,300 outside and other fires reported
to fire departments. These fires resulted in an estimated 6 civilian deaths, 70 civilian
The City of Portsmouth, in partnership with the Portsmouth Redevelopment and
injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
Housing Authority (PRHA) and the Community Housing Development Organization,
CCDI, have identified 12 properties. The next step will be to work with the banks to
In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for
purchase the properties at 15% below fair market value. As required, the homes will
fireworks related injuries.
be sold to first-time homebuyers who are currently at or below 80% of the area median
income.
• 56% of 2007 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities
and 36% were to the head.
The deadline for using the funds is within 18 months. In addition, this Neighborhood
Stabilization Funding is a part of a revolving fund program which has the potential of
• 49% of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29% were contusions
replacing funds when they are used successfully and homes are sold.
and lacerations.
www.portsmouthva.gov
• Two of five (42%) injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
• The risk of fireworks injury was nearly two-and-a-half times as high for children
Suffolk Public Works – Division of
ages 5-9 or 10-14 as for the general population.
Mosquito Control Detects Eastern
• Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 36% of the emergency
room fireworks injuries in 2007.
Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Most Beach residents are unaware of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the
Code of Virginia and the Code of Virginia Beach that strictly prohibits fireworks and
SUFFOLK, Va. The City of Suffolk confirms positive tests for Eastern Equine
pyrotechnics within the city limits of Virginia Beach unless properly permitted.
Encephalitis in mosquitoes and sentinel chicken flocks. Mosquito collections in the
areas of Jericho Ditch, Hosier Rd, Freeney Ave., Suburban Woods, Wonderland Forest,
The Virginia Beach fire marshal wants to keep tragedies like this from happening
Chuckatuck and Rivercliff have tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis
and remind citizens that according to the Virginia Beach City Code Section 12-43.2 -
(EEE). Mosquito testing is used to determine periods of increased viral activity. “We
fireworks and pyrotechnic displays are prohibited within city limits, unless approved by
want to let the citizens know that EEE is present in these areas and everyone should
the Fire Marshal’s Office through the permit application process and compliance with
protect themselves while engaging in outdoor activities” advised Charles Abadam,
the terms and conditions of the permit.
Superintendent of Mosquito Control. EEE is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause
The City Code states that it shall be unlawful for any person to transport, manufacture,
mild-flu like illness, severe illness, coma, or death. No human or equine cases of EEE
assemble, store, sell, offer or display for sale, or to buy, use, possess, ignite or explode
have been reported in the City of Suffolk.
any firecracker, torpedo, sky rocket, sparkler, or other substance or device that contains
Mosquito Control operations are intensifying their efforts in these areas as a result
any explosive or flammable compound or substance, and is intended or commonly
of the EEE positive test confirmations. Increased mosquito surveillance, treatment
known as fireworks, and which explodes, rises into the air or travels laterally, fires
of standing water, and evening spray applications for adult mosquitoes are being
projectiles or discharges sparks into the air.
administered.
Violation of any provision of this section shall constitute a Class 1 misdemeanor. The
You can greatly decrease your chances of contracting mosquito borne diseases like
fire marshal or any law enforcement officer has the authority to seize at the expense
EEE and WNV by protecting yourself from excessive mosquito bites while outdoors by
of the owner, all fireworks offered or exposed for display or sale, stored or held in
following these recommendations:
violation of this section.
• Remain indoors during times of greatest mosquito activity
So be safe, and enjoy the FREE firework shows scheduled to be held at the oceanfront
and at Mt. Trashmore Park, Saturday, July 4th beginning at 9:30 p.m.
o (1 hour before dusk to 1 hour before dawn)
For more information on fireworks, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at (757) 385-
• Wear loose, long, and light-colored clothing when outdoors
4228.
• Use insect repellents containing DEET according to the label instructions.
www.vbgov.com
You can contribute by eliminating mosquito-breeding areas around your home and
neighborhood by following these steps:
Museum’s Wild Summer Sunday Nights
• Empty water-holding containers:
The Virginia Living Museum
will be open for nine Sunday
o buckets, drums, bottles, tin cans, wheel barrows, potted plant trays, etc. evenings from 6-9 p.m. this
summer, June 21 - Aug 16
• Properly dispose used tires.
(Members free; Non-Members
• Clear roof gutters, downspouts and corrugated black drainpipes for any water
$10 adults, $8 children ages
collection.
3-12). Explore “Amazon
Voyage” and the museum’s
• Clean wading and swimming pools
indoor exhibits. Enjoy the new
Conservation Garden and
• Drain water from tarps
special activities.
• Place Mosquito Dunks in stagnant water areas around your home which include
See Rainbow Puppet
ditches and low lying areas
Productions’ new show,
“Amazon Adventures,” which
Placing Mosquito Dunks in stagnant water habitats is a common practice used to features many of the wondrous
eliminate mosquito larvae. Free Mosquito Dunks are available to Suffolk citizens at and creepy creatures from the
your local fire station or the Municipal Center located at 441 Market St. In order to Amazon including a caiman, stingrays, piranhas, along with the Monkey Tree Frog.
get your free Mosquito Dunks you must be 18 years of age or older, have proof of The show is at 7:30 p.m; Meet members of the Peninsula Caged Bird Society and
residence in the City of Suffolk, proper picture identification and sign the “Information enjoy family-friendly music provided by BnC Events.
Sheet” at the fire station.
thevlm.org
For more information concerning Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus
refer to the following links to Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Tell us about your
http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epidemiology/DEE/Vectorborne/factsheets/eee.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/Arbor/eeefact.htm
church programs
For further information contact Suffolk Mosquito Control at 757-514-7609.
www.suffolk.va.us
churches@hamptonroadsmessenger.com
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16