News in brief
Boo with a Badge event closes part of Broadway
Broadway Street, from the 100 block of Broadway to Olive Street, will be closed to through traffic from 3:30 to 8 p.m. today for the Boo with a Badge Halloween event at the Central Fire Station, 310 Broadway St.
Traffic signs will be posted, and motorists are asked to seek an alternative route.
Hot Springs VA to offer drive-through flu clinic
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System’s Hot Springs Community Based Outpatient Clinic, 177 Sawtooth Oak St., will offer a drive-through flu shot clinic from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday.
The clinic offers free flu shots to veterans in the clinic during normal work hours. The first drive-through clinic was held Oct. 11 and was a “huge success.” Veterans coming to the clinic Friday will be able to get their flu shot without leaving their vehicle, a news release said.
There is a higher risk of illness and flu-based complications for anyone who is age 65 and older; anyone who has health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease and other chronic illnesses or conditions; women who are pregnant; and caregivers of people with health problems, the release said.
Flu viruses can change over time, so every year the vaccine is updated to protect against the viruses most likely to spread that year. More information can be found at https://www.publichealth.va.gov/flu/.
Free smoke detectors to be installed Saturday
The American Red Cross and local volunteers, in partnership with the Hot Springs Fire Department, will install free smoke alarms on Saturday and provide fire safety information to families, a news release said.
“Across America, on average, six people lose their life each day from home fires. You have as little as two minutes to evacuate your home during a fire. Along with having a plan, the best protection your family can have is working smoke alarms,” the release said.
To sign up, provide a name, address, and phone number by leaving a voice message, or sending a text, to 501-420-3533. Applications must be received by Friday evening.