Huntington County Health Department

06/23/2026

🦠 Food Safety Spotlight: B. cereus (Bacillus cereus)

Ever left rice or pasta sitting out too long? It might be more dangerous than you think!

What is B. cereus?
Bacillus cereus food poisoning is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning. It’s commonly found in foods like:
🍚 Cooked rice
🍝 Pasta
🥔 Potatoes
🥡 Leftovers that weren’t stored properly

Why is it a problem?
B. cereus can produce toxins that aren’t destroyed by reheating. That means even if you warm your food back up, it can still make you sick.

Symptoms can include:
🤢 Nausea
🤮 Vomiting
💩 Diarrhea
⏱ Symptoms can start quickly—sometimes within just a few hours!

How can you prevent it?
✔ Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours
✔ Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F)
✔ Store cold foods cold (below 40°F)
✔ Don’t leave cooked rice or pasta sitting out overnight

Bottom line:
When in doubt, throw it out! Safe food handling can help protect you and your family.

06/21/2026

💙 Happy Father’s Day! 💙

Today we celebrate the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, mentors, and father figures who show up with strength, love, and quiet dedication every single day.

A father’s impact isn’t just in the big moments—it’s in the lessons taught, the support given, the sacrifices made, and the unconditional love that guides us through life.

To the dads who lead by example, who lift others up, and who give their all even when no one is watching—you are seen, you are appreciated, and you are deeply valued.

Thank you for being a source of courage, wisdom, and love. ❤️

Wishing all the amazing fathers out there a day filled with appreciation, joy, and the recognition you deserve.

06/17/2026

Plan ahead to know where to go for a tornado. Make sure cells are charged, flashlights work and don't forget about your fur babies!

06/17/2026

Some great information to prepare for tonight's storms.

🌙🌪️ Nighttime Tornadoes Are Especially Dangerous

Don't rely on OUTDOOR warning sirens to wake you up. Have multiple ways to receive warnings and be prepared to act quickly.

Tornadoes that occur after dark are more difficult to see and often catch people off guard while they are sleeping.

Before you go to bed:

✅ Ensure Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your phone

✅ Keep your phone charged and nearby

✅ Have a NOAA Weather Radio with fresh batteries

✅ Know where you will take shelter if a warning is issued

Don't rely on outdoor warning sirens to wake you up. Have multiple ways to receive warnings and be prepared to act quickly.

Being prepared before you go to sleep can save your life.

06/16/2026

Know the signs of PTSD

PTSD symptoms may appear soon after trauma—or even months or years later.

Watch for:
• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Irritability or anger
• Feeling numb or disconnected
• Avoiding people or places
• Difficulty concentrating

If these symptoms last more than a month, it may be time to seek help.

💚 Early support can make a big difference.

06/14/2026

Did you know? Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the American flag on June 14, 1777. On this day, the Continental Congress approved the design of the first national flag of the United States.

🔹 What the Flag Represents:

⭐ 50 stars = the 50 states
🔴⚪ 13 stripes = the original 13 colonies
🇺🇸 A symbol of freedom, unity, and national pride

🔹 Fun Fact:
The idea for Flag Day is often credited to schoolteacher Bernard J. Cigrand, who worked to promote respect for the flag in the late 1800s.

🔹 How You Can Celebrate:

Display the American flag at your home or business
Learn proper flag etiquette
Teach children about the history and meaning of the flag

Let’s take a moment to honor the symbol that represents our nation and the freedoms we share. ❤️🤍💙

06/10/2026

It's miserable out there folks! If you have to be outside, here is a list of cooling stations around Huntington.

To help beat the heat, several locations across Huntington County are serving as cooling stations:

📍 East of Chicago Pizza
111 E First St, Warren
Mon–Sun: 11 AM – 8 PM

📍 The Place to Bee
63 N Main St, Andrews
Tues–Thurs: 11 AM–8 PM
Fri–Sat: 11 AM–9 PM

📍 Salvation Army
1424 Market St, Huntington
Mon–Fri: 8 AM–12 PM & 1 PM–5 PM

📍 Parkview Huntington YMCA
1160 W 500 N
Mon–Fri: 6 AM–9 PM
Sat: 7 AM–3 PM
Sun: 12 PM–3 PM

📍 Walmart
2800 Walmart Dr, Huntington
Daily: 6 AM–10 PM

📍 Indiana Family Care Center Thrift Store
501 N Jefferson St, Huntington
Wed: 10 AM–4 PM
Thurs–Fri: 10 AM–5 PM
Sat: 10 AM–4 PM

➡️ Hours may be extended at the discretion of each location.

✅ Stay hydrated. Limit outdoor activity. Check on neighbors, especially seniors and those without air conditioning.

If you or someone you know do not live in Huntington County and need a cooling station please call 211.

06/10/2026

🚨 Hot Car = Deadly Danger 🚨

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of tragedy. Leaving a child or pet in a parked car - even for a few minutes - can turn deadly faster than most people realize.

🌡️ How fast does it heat up?

On a 80°F day, a car can reach 100°F in just 10 minutes
Cracking the windows does NOT make it safe
Children’s bodies heat up 3–5 times faster than adults

🐾 Pets are at risk too
Dogs and cats can’t cool themselves efficiently in extreme heat. What feels “warm” to us can quickly become fatal for them.

⚠️ What can happen?

Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
Brain damage
Death

✅ What YOU can do:

Never leave a child or pet in a car—even briefly
Always check the back seat before locking your vehicle
Keep your car locked to prevent kids from climbing inside
If you see a child or pet alone in a hot car, call 911 immediately

💡 Remember:
“Look Before You Lock” could save a life.

Let’s work together to keep our community safe this summer. ☀️

06/08/2026

PTSD Can Affect Anyone

PTSD doesn’t discriminate

Many people associate PTSD with military veterans, but the truth is—it can affect anyone.

PTSD may develop after:
• Car accidents
• Physical or emotional abuse
• Natural disasters
• Sudden loss of a loved one

Men, women, and even children can experience PTSD.

💡 Recognizing the signs is the first step toward healing.