FOONo

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CONTROLLING MOSQUITOES

 

In order to control mosquito breeding sites all citizens must be willing to be a part of the

process. The City of Abilene encourages all citizens to adhere to the following guidelines:

 

   *Get rid of standing water

   *Empty, remove, cover or turn upside down any container that will hold standing water

      (bottles, tires, cans, flower pots, buckets, trash cans, etc.)

   *Change water in pet dishes, wading pools and bird baths several times a week

   *Repair leaking plumbing, hoses and outside faucets

   *Clean roof gutters and downspouts regularly

   *Eliminate standing water on tarps and flat roofs

   *Drain water from boats and other water craft

  

 

 

BITE PREVENTION

 

*Keep doors, porches and window screens in good condition to help keep mosquitoes out

  of the house

*Avoid mosquito bites while outside by wearing long sleeves, loose, light colored

  clothing

*Dusk and Dawn are peak times for mosquito activity---protect yourself and family

  accordingly

 

 

REPELLENT USE

 

*Use insect repellent product with 20-30 percent DEET for adults

*Less than 10 percent DEET for children (adults should apply repellent of children)

*Only apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing---Do not use under clothing

*Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, sunburn or irritated skin

*Wash repellent off daily and re-apply as needed

 

 

Please contant City of Abilene Environmental Health at 325-437-4590 for Mosquito Spraying.

 

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services

 

 

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FOOD ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION SHEETS

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (5 points)

• Proper Cooling for Cooked/Prepared Food
  
• Cold Hold (41 degrees Fahrenheit/45 degrees Fahrenheit)
  
• Hot Hold (135 degrees Fahrenheit)
  
• Proper Cooking Temperatures
  
• Rapid Reheating (165 degrees Fahrenheit in 2 Hrs)

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action (4 points)

• Personnel with infections
  
• Restricted/Excluded
  
• Proper/Adequate Handwashing
  
• Good Hygienic Practices (Eating/Drinking/Smoking/Other)
  
• Approved Source/Labeling
  
• Sound Condition
  
• Proper Handling of Ready-To-Eat FoodsCross Contamination of Raw/Cooked Foods/Other
  Approved Systems (HACCP Plans/Time as Public Health Control)
  
• Water Supply - Approved Source/Sufficient Capacity/Hot and Cold Under Pressure

Violations Require Immediate Corrective Action, Not to Exceed 10 Days(3 points)

• Equipment Adequate to Maintain Product Temperature
  
• Handwash Facilities Adequate and Accessible
  
• Handwash Facilities with Soap and Towels
  
• No Evidence of Insect Contamination
  
• No Evidence of Rodents/Other Animals
  
• Toxic Items Properly Labeled/Stored/Used
  
• Manual/Mechanical Warewashing and Sanitizing at ( ) ppm/temperature
  
• Manger Demonstration of Knowledge/Certified Food Manager
  
• Approved Sewage/Wastewater Disposal System, Proper Disposal
  
• Thermometers Provided/Accurate/Properly Calibrated (+/- 2 degrees Fahrenheit)
  
• Food Contact Surfaces of Equipment and Utensils leaned/Sanitized/Good Repair
  
• Posting of Consumer Advisories (Heimlich/Disclosure/Reminder/Buffet Plate)
  
• Food Establishment Permit

IMPORTANT LINKS

Texas Food Establishment Rules

Summary of changes to Texas Food Establishment Rules

Using pH, aw, or the Interaction of pH and aw to Determine if a Food Requires Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS)


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NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS

The City of Abilene has a Nuisance Ordinance that is partially enforced by Environmental Health. Specifically, we address nuisance conditions that are of public health significance, such as broken sewer lines and stagnant pools of water that provide hatiching sites for mosquitoes. Citizens can call 437-4590 to register a complaint about these issues.

• * Repair broken sewer lines immediately. Standing sewage is considered a significant public health hazard.



• * Do not allow water to collect on your property. Old tires, flower pots, pet watering dishes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, and wading pools can hold water long enough to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Get rid of your old tires and any other junk item that holds water. Empty flower pots, watering dishes, bird baths, and wading pools regularly and refill with fresh water. Be sure that your rain gutters are not clogged and holding water.

A lot of things can be recycled now. The City of Abilene Recycling Center is located at 2209 Oak. They accept aluminum cans, anti-freeze, bi-metal cans, glass, magazines, newspaper, used oil and oil filters, tires, tree limbs and trunks, bagged grass and leaves, and household hazardous waste. For more information call 672-2209.

For more information about other recycling centers in Abilene, contact Keep Abilene Beautiful at 734-3301.

If you have materials to take to the sanitary landfill, you can call BFI at 672-7613 for more information.


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RODENT AND MOSQUITO CONTROL

Rodents can destroy property, spread filth and disease, and generally are undesirable in your neighborhood. You can discourage rodents from living on your property by keeping the area around your home clean. Items stored on your property such as firewood or lumber should be stacked at least 18" up off of the ground to prevent harborage. Dog food or cat food should be put out in small amounts only. Dishes should be taken up and not left out.

Mosquitoes are a nuisance and can spread disease to you or your pets. Do not allow water to collect on your property. Old tires, flower pots, pet watering dishes, bird baths, clogged rain gutters, and wading pools can hold water long enough to become breeding sites for mosquitoes. Get rid of your old tires and any other junk item that holds water. Empty flower pots, watering dishes, bird baths, and wading pools regularly and refill with fresh water. Be sure that your rain gutters are not clogged and holding water.


Request Mosquito Spraying


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City of Abilene Temporary Food Service Requirements

View the Texas Food Establishment Rules at:
http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/foodestablishments/

 

Temporary Food Service Requirements and Application

Any questions? Call the Environmental Health Section at (325) 437-4590.




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