Lead levels in water, CO safety, treating dog pain

Happy Halloween, everyone!

The weather is scary today. I'm not looking forward to trick-or-treating with my little Minnie Mouse (yes, that was the costume choice) tonight in a downpour. But hey, we can't control everything, right?

I hope you have a great night if you head out with the kids, and please be safe. In fact, we have some important safety tips on the Help Me Hank page.

This week, we talked water with DWSD Director Gary Brown. We are hearing about many lead alerts in various communities. This is not the Flint water crisis 2.0, but rather the result of changes in how water is tested in Michigan.

Bottom Line: The numbers can be confusing, and it's important to take a moment to fully understand how numbers in your community might affect you and your family.

Speaking of safety: We've already seen a few carbon monoxide-related deaths in Metro Detroit. We teamed up with a furnace expert to give you key information to keep you and your family safe. If you don't have a CO detector, buy one. You can get one at stores such as Home Depot, Walmart and Lowe's. They only cost around $30 and could literally save a life.

Dog pain is a big problem for some, which is why we were really interested in the new treatment being performed by a local vet. He has seen a dramatic improvement in the health of his own dog, Kiki. It's a much easier and more cost effective option than surgery. If you have a dog (like me), you get it. The dog is a family member, and seeing them in pain is so tough. This new treatment is promising, and if you have questions or concerns you should chat with your vet.

I hope you all have a great night, a good weekend and I hope we get a Detroit Lions ‘W' on Sunday. Is that all too much to ask?

Take care,

Hank

Email: helpmehank@wdiv.com

@HelpMeHank

Recall of the week

Well, I guess this recall is really a bummer around this time of year, and if you've already eaten as many apples as I have, then it's just downright scary.

North Bay Produce out of Traverse City is recalling McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Jonathon, Fuji, Jonamac and Red Delicious apples due to listeria concerns.

They were sold in plastic bags under different brand names and on display trays in grocery stores.

The recalled apples were shipped between Oct. 16 and Oct. 21.

Our website has all the information you need, including pictures of the labels -- so check your kitchen!

Scam of the week

DTE Energy and the BBB are sending out a warning about crooks going door-to-door, claiming to be from your utility company. They'll offer to cut down on your bill, but all they want is your personal information. Some even ask to come inside to do some physical swiping of your personal property.

They've already seen the scam this year in Oakland County, but these scammers move around quickly.

Please, don't let anyone into your home. If someone does come up, ask for their identification, because DTE employees carry photo IDs. Don't just pay someone standing at your doorstep. That's how they get you.

Deal of the week

Dressbarn is closing down! We reported this a few months ago, but the stores still had new inventory in their stock rooms to put out on store floors.

Now, the liquidation sales are starting.

Starting Friday, you can get up to 40% off apparel and accessories.

All stores expect to close no later than Dec. 26.

(My producer plans to spend her whole weekend there!)


About the Author:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.