It will take some time to dry out, and the Fairfax County Emergency Management Information Line offers tips to homeowners on recovering after an emergency, including:

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Recent news reports about so-called “endocrine disruptors” in rivers and streams – often the source of our public drinking water supply – have generated concern about how such pharmaceuticals end up there. The answer is fairly simple – it’s us. For years, patients were advised to flush unwanted or unused medications down the toilet. Sadly, that was erroneous advice. To help protect our environment, especially our drinking water supply, you should throw unused, unwanted, or expired over-the-counter and prescription medicines in the trash. Don’t flush them!

 

The American Pharmacists Association recommends the following steps for safely disposing of both pills and liquid medicines.

 

1)       Keep the medicines in their original container. This will help identify the contents if they are accidentally ingested by children or pets. Do be sure to cross out your name and prescription number for your safety and privacy.

 

2)       For pills: add a little salt water to start dissolving them. For liquids: add something inedible like unused cat litter, coffee grounds, dirt, or fireplace ashes.

 

3)       Seal the container and secure with duct or packing tape.

 

4)       Put the container in the trash as close to pickup time as possible. Do not put medications into your recycle bin.

 

Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/dontflush, for more information and updates.

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Congratulations to Holmes Middle School faculty and families who will celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary on Friday and Saturday. Holmes Middle School serves students on the eastern side of Mason District, and was renovated a few years ago through successful passage of a school bond referendum. The celebratory carnival on Saturday will run from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The school is located at 6565 Montrose Street in the Lincolnia area.

 

The Annandale Chamber of Commerce will sponsor its annual Bed Race this Saturday morning, beginning at 10 a.m. This annual event is a lot of fun and provides local businesses and neighbors an opportunity for some well-deserved ribbing as team sponsors race hospital gurneys up and down John Marr Drive in front of the K-Mart in Annandale. Spectators may observe the action free of charge. Proceeds from the annual event benefit Special Olympics.