Public health and safety are the number one concerns after heavy rains and flooding. Flood water can carry bacteria and other contaminants that could cause disease and illness. During this time of heavy rains and possible flooding in the Illinois River valley, the Peoria City/County Health Department urges all residents to take safety precautions against diseases:
• Avoid or minimize skin contact with flood water, especially cuts and sores. Keep them 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 your local health department 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 were not at risk of coming in contact with flood water. Cans not having been exposed to flood water should be de-labeled, washed, rinsed and sanitized with bleach water consisting of 1/4 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Cans should be air dried and the contents and expiration date should be hand written on the can.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, use no more than 1/2 cup of bleach per 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.
The Peoria City/County Health Department is urging you to play it safe during floods. For additional information to protect yourself and your family, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website at www.state.il.us or contact the Peoria City/County Health Department at either 309-679-6161 or environmentalhealth@pcchd.org .
For more information on other public health issues, visit www.pcchd.org
