DOH encourages flooding preparedness

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March 7, 2013

DOH encourages flooding preparedness

Anonymous Suwannee Democrat The Suwannee Democrat Thu Mar 07, 2013, 03:40 PM EST

Live Oak — In anticipation of our local rivers approaching flood stages, the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County encourages residents located in potentially affected areas to be prepared for any flooding that may occur and be aware of the following:

Moving Flood Water

During flooding, the greatest threat comes from moving water. The deeper the moving water, the greater the threat. People should avoid driving in moving water, regardless of the size of the vehicle.

Pooling Flood Water

Flood waters can rise and pool on streets and throughout neighborhoods. In these situations, be aware of the following:

Road surfaces become disguised and drivers can unknowingly steer into a deep body of water, such as a canal or pond.

Electricity from streetlights and power poles may be present in standing water, causing a deadly shock to anyone coming in contact with it.

Children playing in contaminated standing water can become sick or be bitten by snakes or floating insects.

People coming into contact with floodwaters should thoroughly wash and rinse any exposed body parts with soap and disinfected water.

Contaminated Water Supply

Residents in flood-affected areas should take precautions to avoid consuming contaminated water. If your well is in a flooded area, your water may contain disease-causing bacteria and may not be safe to drink.

DOH recommends one of the following:

Boil water for at least 1 minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes.

Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp – this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination.

Use only bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

After the flooding subsides:

Disinfect your well using the steps provided by your local health department, or located on the Department of Health’s website at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/water/manual/floodinf.htm

If available, have your water tested through your county health department or by a laboratory certified by the state to perform a drinking water analysis.

Contaminated Food

Do not eat any food that may have come in contact with floodwaters.

Discard any food without a waterproof container if there is any chance it has come into contact with floodwaters.

Undamaged, commercially canned foods can be saved if you remove the labels, thoroughly wash the cans, and disinfect them with a solution consisting of ¼ cup of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

Re-label your cans, including the expiration date, with a marker. Food containers with screw-caps, snap lids and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come in contact with floodwaters, because they cannot be disinfected.

Contaminated Items

Discard wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers. There is no way to safely clean them if they have come in contact with contaminated floodwaters.

Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes and utensils with soap and hot water and sanitize by boiling them in clean water or by immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of ¼ cup of household bleach per gallon of water.

Hygiene

Basic hygiene is very important during flooding. Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled and cooled or disinfected.

Hands should always be washed:

Before preparing or eating food

After using the bathroom

After changing a diaper

After handling uncooked food

After playing with a pet

After handling garbage

After tending to someone who is sick or injured

After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

After helping in flood cleanup activities

After handling items contaminated with flood water or sewage.

For more information, please contact your county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.floridadisaster.org

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