|
Water:
• Watch and listen for news media announcements about
the safety of public drinking water supplies. Follow
“boil water” alerts that may be issued by local water
utilities or the Texas Commission on Environmental
Quality. Do not drink water from unknown sources.
• Persons under boil water alerts and persons with
private wells that may have been contaminated by flood
water should use only bottled, boiled or treated water
until water has been tested and found safe.
• If you boil water for drinking purposes, allow it to
boil for at least one minute. Water also may be
disinfected with chlorine or iodine (follow package
directions) or with ordinary household bleach —
one-eighth teaspoon (about eight drops) per gallon of
water. Sterilize water containers and drinking utensils
with a solution of household bleach.
Food:
• Do not eat food that has been in contact with flood
water.
• If electricity has been off, refrigerated food may
have spoiled. Discard any food that has been at room
temperature for more than two hours or if it has an
unusual odor or color. Thawed food from freezers may be
safe for consumption or refreezing if it is still
partially frozen or is “refrigerator cold.”
• Babies on formula should be given ready-to-feed
formula or powdered formula prepared with bottled
drinking water.
• Wash hands with soap and disinfected water before
eating or handling food.
Environmental Hazards:
• Seek immediate treatment if bitten or injured by an
animal
• Snakes and other wildlife may seek shelter in trees,
homes and vehicles. Bats are often injured in heavy
rains and winds, do not touch or handle them. Beware of
displaced pets.
• Return home in daylight for best visibility and be
aware of any unsafe power sources such as fallen power
lines or visible wires. No one should re-enter your home
while flooded unless the main electrical switch has been
turned off.
• Check for gas leaks. Do not use lanterns or torches on
premises unless all gas leaks are fixed.
• Standing water after floods is a breeding place for
mosquitoes. Drain all standing water from outdoor items
such as old tires, cans and flower pot bases. Protect
yourself with an appropriate insect repellent.
• Wear shoes in post-flood areas to reduce the chances
of punctures or cuts from nails and other sharp
contaminated objects.
Medical:
• Persons with puncture wounds or cuts exposed to flood
water could be at risk of contracting tetanus and may
need to have a tetanus shot to prevent infection.
General:
• Do not allow children to play in or near flood water
or storm drains.
• Disinfect all furniture, woodwork and other household
surfaces in homes that have flooded.
• Wash hands frequently while cleaning up to lessen
recontamination of cleaned areas or after handling
flood-water contaminated items.
• To prevent allergic reactions and other health
problems caused by mold, replace porous wallboard (from
at least 12 inches above the waterline) that has been
flood-damaged.
• Disinfect children’s toys with a solution of one cup
bleach to five gallons of water.
• To prevent producing toxic fumes, do not mix bleach
with products that contain ammonia.
• To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not burn
charcoal or use gasoline-powered generators or pumps
indoors.
• Try to rest and conserve energy and avoid heat stress.
Persons with heart conditions and other illnesses should
avoid strenuous exertion.
Questions:
• Contact your local health department or DSHS regional
office if you have questions about food safety,
sanitation procedures or how to have private well water
tested.
• Cherokee County Health Department 903-683-4688 |
