Current News & Events

CURRENT NEWS & EVENTS

Preventing West Nile Virus (Added 6/17/03)

Convicted Sex Offenders (Added 12/23/02)

PREVENTING WEST NILE VIRUS- Water that stands for more than four days can breed mosquitoes. Eliminate standing water and help eliminate mosquitoes that spread West Nile Virus. Wearing the appropriate tick and insect repellant is also important in preventing the virus.

Eliminating Standing Water:

1. Discard containers, barrels and garbage cans or store them inside or turn them upside down. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors.

2. Dispose of old tires or store them in a basement or shed where they won't collect rainwater.

3. Change and clean the water in bird baths, wading pools, and ornamental and fish ponds every few days. Turn upside down when not in use. Stock ponds with mosquito-eating fish.

4. Keep swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs chlorinated. If not in use, tightly cover and keep rainwater from accumulating on the cover.

5. Grade to drain off the water in puddles and swampy areas or fill them with dirt.

6. Drain standing water from flower pot saucers and change water in outdoor vases every couple of days.

7. Repair leaky faucets and hoses and drain the area underneath.

8. Empty pet or livestock watering pans frequently, clean and refill.

9. Make sure coverings on boats, swimming pools, composite piles, etc. are pulled tight and sloped so that rainwater runs off.

10. Remove stumps and brush piles. Fill stumps and tree holes with sand or other filler.

11. Store wheelbarrows upside down or under cover in a basement or shed.

12. Clean out leaves and debris in roof gutters and repair sagging gutters.

13. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure proper drainage. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

14. Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days. Store lawn equipment indoors. Cut back dense vegetation surrounding your yard.

Tick and Insect Repellant:

Chemical repellents provide protection against biting insects and ticks that can transmit diseases. Various forms and concentrations of these products are available. The most effective repellents contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). This chemical has been tested against a variety of biting insects and has been shown to be very effective. Some non-DEET repellent products which are intended to be applied directly to the skin also provide some protection from Mosquito bites. However, studies suggest that non-DEET products do not offer the same level of protection, or that the protection does not last as long as products containing DEET. Products containing DEET are safe when used according to directions. Because DEET is so widely used, a great deal of information is available about its safety. Over the long history of DEET use, very few confirmed incidents of toxic reactions to DEET have occurred when the product is used properly. Products containing up to about 30% DEET are considered safe for use in routine control of ticks and mosquitoes in adults and children over two months of age.

For more information on the West Nile Virus, contact the Health Department at (414) 371-2980.

CONVICTED SEX OFFENDERS - Information on convicted sex offenders living in the Village of Brown Deer is posted on the website under the Police Department Services page. Click here to connect to the convicted sex offender information.

SENIOR MEAL PROGRAM - The Milwaukee County Senior Meal Program is located at the Brown Deer Senior Citizens Center in Algonquin School. The program runs Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, and is open to individuals 60 years of age and older and their spouses. Educational and recreation programs are offered in addition to the meal. Call the Park and Recreation Department at (414) 371-3070 for information on reservations and volunteer opportunities.