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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 7, 20 17 | 2 HaltonHighlights December2017 Tips to help reduce your holiday waste Keeping you informed by highlighting what makes Halton a great place to live. Gary Carr, Regional Chair Stay safe and have fun this holiday season Halton continues to be one of the safest places to live. We can keep up our great record by taking steps to protect ourselves and others this holiday season. No matter what you have planned for the holidays, there are steps you can take to stay safe on the roads, properly prepare food and prevent the spread of cold and flu viruses. Meetings at Halton Region 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, L6M 3L1 Visit halton.ca/meetings for full schedule. Dec. 13 9:30 a.m. RegionalCouncil Jan. 9 9:30 a.m. Health & Social ServicesCommittee Jan. 10 9:30 a.m. Planning & PublicWorksCommittee Jan. 10 1:30p.m. Administration & FinanceCommittee Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers. Halton launches Community Safety and Well-Being Plan Halton Region, Halton Regional Police Service and the Police Services Board have partnered to develop a Community Safety and Well- Being Plan for Halton. The plan outlines a model on how we collaborate with community partners on issues that impact safety and well-being across areas such as mental health, neighbourhood safety, addictions, housing and homelessness, and social isolation. We are working together to ensure those in need of help receive the right response at the right time by the right service provider, before a crisis happens. The plan demonstrates a shared commitment that will help Halton maintain our long- standing distinction as one of the safest communities in Canada and reinforces Halton Region's commitment to improving services for residents. To learn more about the plan, visit halton.ca/safetyandwell-being. Drive safely • Drive appropriately for weather conditions and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. • If you drink at a holiday party, please don't drive. Make sure you plan a safe ride home. You can call a taxi, take public transit or arrange for a designated driver. • Keep your eyes open when on the road. If you suspect an impaired driver, call 911. To learn more, visit halton.ca/beprepared and halton.ca/drivesafe. Prevent foodborne illness • Wash hands and surfaces often when handling food. • Keep meats separate from other foods during storage and preparation. Be sure to use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables. • Cook to proper temperatures. • Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared food and leftovers within two hours. To learn more, visit halton.ca/foodsafety. Prevent colds and flu • Wash your hands regularly to prevent colds and other illnesses. • Get the flu vaccine to protect yourself and others. • Cough or sneeze into your elbow rather than your hands. To learn more, visit halton.ca/flu. On behalf of Halton Regional Council and staff, we wish you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season! •Wrap presents creatively: Newspapers,maps or old calendars can be turned into fully recyclable and artistic gift wrap,while leftover cookie tins or clay flower pots work as fun gift box options. •Opt for paper over plastic: Green your holiday parties with paper plates, cups and napkins,which can go in your Green Cart. • Put a bow on it: Embrace the obvious. Decorate those GT racers and hockey sticks with a reusable bow. • Compost tissue paper: Put your tissue paper--free of tape, glitter and confetti--in the Green Cart. • Reuse wrapping décor: Gift boxes, gift bags and wrapping paper can be reused, and you can spice up your gift by reusing ribbons and bows! Put damaged wrapping décor in the garbage. Have questions about where to put your holiday waste? Visit halton.ca/putwasteinitsplace or download the OneHalton app and use our helpful online sorting tool.