Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) Email Updates for January 13, 2014

If you have pets, bring them indoors. When you're cold enough to go inside, they probably are too. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water.

Four Winter Weather Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in Spanish including audio files for downloading.

After a winter storm, you may have to remove fallen trees. If you use a chainsaw to cut them, be careful; chainsaws can be very dangerous. Follow the instructions in the manual to safely operate the chainsaw and wear protective gear.

Always use portable generators, camp stoves, barbecue, and charcoal grills outside and 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent deadly CO poisoning.

Notice to Clinicians: Early Reports of pH1N1-Associated Illnesses for the 2013-14 Influenza Season

From November through December 2013, CDC has received a number of reports of severe respiratory illness among young and middle-aged adults, many of whom were infected with influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 (pH1N1) virus.

All year we've been updating our blog with posts from the "Do 1 Thing" series. This month marks our last update, check it out and let us know if you managed to stay on task each month!

Now is a good time to make sure your car is ready for an emergency. To prepare for winter weather keep warm clothes, a shovel, a windshield scraper, food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, and a flashlight in your car.

Encourage your friends and family to get prepared for winter weather with an e-card. Include a personalized message encouraging them to stock up on emergency supplies.

Notice to Public Health Officials and Clinicians: Recognizing, Managing, and Reporting Chikungunya Virus Infections in Travelers Returning from the Caribbean

On December 7, 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the first local (autochthonous) transmission of chikungunya virus in the Americas.

An outbreak of meningitis, more specifically meningococcal disease, has been appearing on a college campuses, causing officials to look overseas for help. Read more about how CDC proposes halting further spread of the disease.

Grab the Winter Weather widget for your website to share health and safety information from the CDC.

With winter bearing down on most of the country this week, it's a great time to make sure you're ready for cold weather.

Make sure you have a battery-powered and/or NOAA weather radio, at least a week's worth of food and safety supplies, a water supply, and a way to heat your home in case a winter storm hits.

Notice to Healthcare Providers: Recognizing and Reporting Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease Associated with Outbreaks at Princeton University and the University of California at Santa Barbara

Eight cases of serogroup B meningococcal disease have been reported in Princeton University students or persons with links to Princeton University during the last eight months, including three cases reported since September.

How's your emergency supply? Learn what you need to prepare in our lasted post, part of the Do 1 Thing blog series.

The 2013 Hurricane Season ends on November 30. Take steps to be prepared for all natural disasters!