Shhhhh! Listen. Do you hear that? It’s the sounds of spring.

Ah, yes, sunshine! Warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours! The ability to go outdoors without putting on layer upon layer of clothing.

After the winter we have experienced, I believe everyone is ready for warmer weather and more daylight.

But in our hurry to celebrate spring, let us not forget about being safe as we start our warm weather living and cleanup outdoors.

Remember to dress appropriately for the job you are doing – hat, gloves and sunscreen.

However, should you manage to get a cut or step on something rusty, you can come see us at the Ironton City Health Department and get a tetanus shot, or be pro-active and get one if it’s been over 10 years since your last one.

Along with the above-mentioned sunshine, and longer daylight for outdoor work and pleasures soon comes the thought of vacation time.

Should your plans for vacation take you to Canada, Mexico or farther beyond the shores of the USA, you will need a passport and to receive a passport you need a copy of your birth certificate.

You can stop in at the Ironton City Health Department for a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Our hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., and certificates are $25 each.

Thanks to a new program with the State of Ohio, not only can you receive a certificate from us if you were born in Lawrence County, you can receive one from us as long as you were born in Ohio.

I also have the numbers for across the United States should you have the need.

The last article I read stated it takes about two to three weeks, so remember to allow plenty of time to receive your passport.

Enjoy your spring.

Juanita J. Dalton is the registrar at the Ironton City Health Department.