By John Tredrea, Special Writer
The Hopewell Township Health Department has scheduled a special program on how to keep your home environmentally friendly, safe and prepared for the kind of severe weather events with which, in the wake of hurricanes Irene and Sandy, this area is growing increasingly familiar.
The program, called the Safe Home, Safe Family Expo, will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 8 at the township’s Public Works Building, at 203 Washington Crossing-Pennington Road (Route 546).
Representatives of the Hopewell Township Health Department and several other municipal departments will be joined by representatives from other local agencies, service providers and public health partners.
”Come and ask all of those questions you have about septic systems and learn about some of the new technologies and what you might consider if you have to upgrade or replace your existing septic system as it ages,” said township Health Officer Gary Guarino.
”Find out about drilling new and/or deepening wells and replacing well pumps. Discuss annual water testing and treating water quality problems,” he added.
Local contractors will attend the event with actual septic tanks, demo water treatment systems, and well water treatment equipment.
Representatives of the NJ Department of Environmental Protection and others will be on hand to explain about arsenic and radioactivity in well water, radon gas in your basement and how to test for them.
”Are you prepared for the next natural weather event?” Mr. Guarino asked. “ Did you lose power during Superstorm Sandy? Come and find out how what you should be doing to keep food cold, run your well or just a few lights.” Get information on being prepared.
Going green? Then attend and learn about composting and pesticide safety, and how to make your own rainwater barrel with Rutgers Cooperative and the Township Environmental Commission.
”If you have an elderly member of the family at home, you’ll be able to get information” on making the residence safer for him/her to prevent falls and injuries, use medication safety and follow healthy nutrition guidelines.
Other topics will include, bicycle safety and residential fire safety.
The Mercer Community Blood Council will be there to accept donations. Appointment can be made on line at http://www.givebloodnj.org/schedule-blood-driveappt.
