Lynn McCann, Mason Health Officer
16 Darling Hill Road
Mason, NH 03048
878-2070 (Selectmen's office)

Special events or notices:

From Lynn McCann, February 27, 2010:

DHHS Provides Recommendations on Food Safety During Power Outages

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is releasing food safety recommendations for residents who have lost power in their homes as a result of last night's storm.

"Unexpected power outages can result in many difficulties," stated DHHS Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas. "One big issue of concern is whether food is still safe to eat. To ensure the public's health and to avoid the potential of food-borne illnesses, we are advising people to take extra precautions when determining if their food should be saved or thrown away."

"In this type of situation, you just can't be too careful," said Public Health Director Dr. José Montero. "Even if food doesn't smell bad, and looks safe, it may have been out of a safe temperature range long enough to be contaminated with dangerous bacteria. A good rule to follow in this situation is, when in doubt throw it out."

The US Department of Agriculture recommends taking the following steps during and after a weather emergency:

• Never taste food to determine if it is safe

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature

• The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) and the door remains closed

• Food can be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40°F or below

• Get block ice or dry ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for an extended period of time

• Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power.


Free Radon testing kit (Jan 6, 2010)

The State is offering FREE radon test kits : NH DES Radon site

Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Radon Program at DES is offering free radon air test kits (while supplies last) to New Hampshire residents during the month of January in honor of National Radon Action Month.

Did you know radon gas kills more people in New Hampshire on an annual basis than anything else that the Department of Environmental Services deals with? Many people ignore the warnings about radon gas. Maybe because radon has no color, taste, or odor people don't think about it. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can build to high levels in residential homes. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking, and the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Testing is the only way to know if your home or well water has elevated radon levels. Â Equipment is available for homes that may need to reduce elevated radon levels.

To get a free radon air test kit go to des.nh.gov and search for "radon" and fill out the application form. Call (603) 271-6845 for more information or assistance with the application process. For more information please contact the New Hampshire Radon Program at (603) 271-6845 or Owen.David@des.nh.gov


H1N1 information (Dec 2009)
According to the State of New Hampshire Vaccine Distribution Plan, the following groups are currently eligible to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine:
* Pregnant women and their partners,
* All people 6 months to 24 years of age,
* Persons caring for or living with infants less than 6 months of age,
* Ages 25 through 64 years of age who also have chronic medical conditions,
* Health Care Workers and First Responders with direct patient contact.
Additional population groups will be added to this list as more vaccine comes into the state.
Check with your healthcare providers on their availability of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. If you do not have a healthcare provider, call the H1N1 hotline at 603-589-4565 for information on the availability of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine and available appointments for the Division of Public Health & Community Services. The website and hotline will be updated with clinic information as available.
Update (12/7/2009): The Division is now taking appointments for the H1N1 vaccine for the target groups mentioned above. We are also in the process of scheduling school based clinics and public clinics. We will update this website and the hotline (603-589-4565) as information becomes available.
City of Nashua H1N1 site


Statutes which define a Health Officer's duties and responsibilities

Title X Chapter 128: Town Health Officers
Title X Chapter 147: Nuisances; toilets; drains; expectoration; rubbish and waste
Title L Chapter 485: Public Water Supply Protection Program