Health and Safety After the Flood

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Health and Safety After the Flood

KSPR - Springfield,MO*

By Bosch

Mar 20, 2008

http://www.kspr.com/home/related/16849316.html

As the floodwaters recede, the Springfield-Greene County Health

Department urges Greene County residents to use caution.

" People should avoid contact with floodwater whenever possible, as

it may contain contaminants and unseen hazards, " says spokesperson

Jaci McReynolds. " If a person must be in contact with the water,

they should wear rubber boots and rubber gloves, and use soap and

water to frequently wash hands and skin exposed to the floodwater. "

McReynolds also encourages residents to be sure they are protected

against tetanus. Tetanus booster shots should be given every 10

years, and are available at the health department's Westside Public

Health Center, located at 660 S Scenic. Call 874-1220 for details.

Some food items that have been out of temperature or in contact with

floodwater need to be discarded.

* Discard foods needing refrigeration if the electricity has been

off for more than six hours.

* Don't refreeze foods that have thawed. Discard them if they've

been thawed for more than four hours.

* If they have been in contact with floodwater, discard fresh meat

and poultry, prepared and processed foods, home canned foods,

packages that are not airtight

and foods in paper containers.

* Discard canned goods that are punctured, bulging or leaking.

* Because seepage can carry harmful bacteria, discard crown-capped

bottles and screw-top glass containers that have been in contact

with floodwater.

Other items that should be discarded if they have come in contact

with floodwater include:

* Large soft items that have been in contact with water for two or

more days, such as couches, chairs, mattresses and carpet. Even

though you cannot see it,

mold is growing on these items. People who are sensitive to mold may

experience nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin

irritation. People with

severe allergies to mold or with chronic lung illness may experience

more severe reactions, including fever, shortness of breath or mold

infection in their lungs.

* Plastic items like kitchen utensils, plates, dishes, tupperware

and baby bottle nipples.

* Kitchen utensils that are wooded or have cracks, such as wooden

spoons and cutting boards.

* Leather or paper products.

* Garden produce.

* Medicines and cosmetics.

Some items may be successfully cleaned.

* Bedding and other soft items should be washed in hot water with

bleach.

* Children's toys, utensils, dishware and small items with hard

sufaces should be washed with soap and water and then disinfected by

immersing for one minute

in a solution of four tablespoons of bleach to two gallons of water.

* Pots and pans can be sterilized by boiling them for at least ten

minutes.

* Items that a baby may put in his mouth should be boiled.

* Items that are too large to immerse, or surfaces like walls,

decking and doors should be washed with soap and water and then

wiped down with a solution of

one cup of bleach to one gallon of water.

Be sure to protect yourself while cleaning up.

* Wear rubber gloves and rubber boots.

* Use eye protection and a mask while cleaning with bleach solutions.

* Be sure your home is well ventilated.

* Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning solutions, as it

may create toxic fumes.

Also, to avoid electrical shock and damage to items, be sure any

electrical appliances that have been in contact with floodwater are

thoroughly cleaned, reconditioned and dry before operating them.

For more information visit http://health.springfieldmo.gov.