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 Unfortunately, the potential for heavy rain is still in the forecast
for much of this week. Public health and safety are serious concerns
after heavy rains and flooding. Flood water can carry bacteria and
other contaminants that could cause disease and illness. The Logan
County Department of Public Health (LCDPH) urges all residents to
take safety precautions against diseases during floods which include
the following:
- Avoid or minimize skin contact with flood water, especially
cuts and sores. Keep open wounds clean and covered. Always wash
thoroughly after coming in contact with flood water or objects
contaminated with flood water. Frequent hand washing, as a whole, is
important.
- Do not use water from flooded water wells. An alternate
source of potable water should be obtained such as bottled water.
Once flood waters recede, the well should be tested to make sure the
water is safe to drink. Contact LCDPH to obtain a test kit.
- Do not eat or drink anything that has been exposed to flood
water. Canned food goods can be used if the can is in good
condition (free of swelling, denting, punctures) and the contents
are not at risk of coming in contact with flood water. Discard any
containers, for example, with cork-lined lids or caps, screw or pop
tops as these are nearly impossible to clean. If they appear
undamaged, all-metal cans are usually safe. Thoroughly wash cans and
immerse in bleach water (1 tablespoon of unscented bleach per one
gallon of potable water) for 15 minutes, then air dry or dry with a
clean towel to prevent rusting. If you are not sure if the food is
safe, remember, when in doubt, throw it out.
- Electricity and water are a deadly combination. Turn off
main power switch if necessary. Avoid working with appliances that
are wet. Air out appliances and outlets before use. Do not work with
appliances, wiring or electricity if you are wet or standing in
water. If you have questions regarding electrical systems in the
home, contact your utility company, and be sure to follow appliance
manufacturer precautions.
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- Run gas powered generators in a well-ventilated area (not in home or
garage) to avoid carbon monoxide exposure. Heaters that use wood, coal, natural
gas or kerosene products produce carbon monoxide gas and should also be used
only in well ventilated areas. Be sure to follow all the manufacturer
precautions.
- Wear rubber boots, gloves and proper respirator masks (N95 or HEPA)
during clean up. Use soap, rinse water and a sanitizer solution consisting of no
more than 1 cup of bleach per one gallon of water for surface areas. For food
contact surfaces such as counter tops, shelves, cutting boards, etc., and areas
where small children play, use no more than 1 tablespoon (½ ounce) of laundry
bleach to each gallon of water. Discard objects that are porous, non-cleanable
or cannot be laundered.
- Avoid mosquito exposure by wearing a mosquito repellent (for example,
one that contains DEET), wearing long-sleeved and light-colored clothing,
repairing any screens, removing any standing water on your property, and
minimizing the amount of time outdoors between dusk and dawn. While most
mosquitoes that breed in standing water from floods are merely pests, some can
still carry diseases such as West Nile Virus.
For further details pertaining to these and other hazards, and how you can
protect yourself and your family from floods and other disasters, check out the
publication from the Illinois Department of Public Health “Surviving Disasters:
A Citizen’s Emergency Handbook” which can be found at
www.idph.state.il.
us/pdf/SurvivingDisasters.pdf.
For additional information, contact the Logan County Department of Public Health
at 217-735-2317 or visit their website at WWW.LCDPH.ORG.
Information Source: IL Dept. of Public Health
[Don Cavi, MS, LEHP
Public Health Administrator
Logan County Department of Public Health] |
