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Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.

When Should I Wash My Hands?

Washing hands with soap and water - reusable image from media.defense.gov zu607-001

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage

How Should I Wash My Hands?

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

What if I don't have soap and clean, running water?

In most situations, washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals. Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

How do you use hand sanitizers?

Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).

Rub your hands together.

Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.

Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning. Keep it out of reach of young children.

Health Promotion Materials

https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/resources.html external link

Below you will find a variety of resources to help you learn more about keeping hands clean and preventing illnesses. There are some great posters, e-cards, and videos to put on your municipal website to increase the public's awareness about the importance of handwashing. Such a simple act can greatly prevent the spread of illness.

CDC Materials

Fact Sheets(https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/fact-sheets.html )
Printable fact sheets on handwashing-related topics
Posters(https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/posters.html )
Printable posters about handwashing-related topics for public display
Social Media(https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/social-media.html )
Messages about handwashing to share on social media channels, web buttons, and e-cards
Videos(https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/videos.html )
Handwashing videos for adults and kids

The Sussex County Office of Public Health Nursing offers handwashing education in your municipality.
Interactive programs are geared to school-aged and preschool- aged children. Call if you would like to schedule a program at a school or child care center in your municipality.

Sussex County Office of Public Health Nursing, 201 Wheatsworth Road, Hamburg, NJ 07419
Phone: 973-579-0570 x 1211

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