Latest News

Vincennes University Holding 4th Annual Blazers Give Day on April 4th Town of Shoals Annual Clean-Up Days Set for May Purdue Extension Dubois County to Host Spring Fling in April INDOT Announces Alternating Lane Closure for U.S. 231 Near Haysville Gov. Holcomb Signs Executive Order For Total Solar Eclipse

DCHD – With widespread flooding in Dubois County from this weekend’s storms, the Dubois County Health Department would like to inform citizens affected by the storms, that flooding is a health concern. Steps should be followed to insure you are safe from flood damage.

Food:

  • Do not eat any food that may have come in contact with flood water.
  • Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container.
    • Containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, pull tops, crimped caps, and cardboard are NOT
  • Inspect canned foods and discard any damaged cans.
    • Damage is shown by swelling, leaking, punctures, holes, fractures, rusting, and/or crushing that would prevent normal stacking or opening.
  • Undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans can be saved if you:
    • Remove labels, if you can, since they can harbor dirt and bacteria.
    • Thoroughly wash the cans with soap and hot safe drinking water.
    • Brush away any dirt or silt.
    • Rinse the cans with safe drinking water.
    • Sanitize cans in sanitizing solution for 15 minutes.
      • One (1) tablespoon of bleach per gallon of safe drinking water
    • Air dry cans
    • Relabel with name and expiration date, use ASAP.
  • Thoroughly wash pans, dishes, and utensils with soap and hot safe water. Rinse and sanitize pans, dishes, and utensils.
  • Thoroughly wash, rinse, and sanitize, all surfaces. Wash with soap and water. Rinse with safe drinking water. Sanitize by using 1 tablespoon bleach per gallon water.
  • Make sure all refrigeration (41˚ or below) and freezer (0˚ or below) units are working properly by using thermometers.

 

 

Mold:

            Flooding of homes and businesses can accelerate the growth of mold.

  • People at greatest risk of mold are people with:
    • Asthma
    • Allergies
    • Other breathing conditions
    • Immune suppression (HIV infection, chemotherapy, or received organ transplant)
  • Mold reactions:
    • Stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation
    • Difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath
    • Weakened immune systems with lung diseases consult your doctor
  • Recognizing mold:
    • Sight- walls and ceiling discolored, signs of mold growth or water damage
    • Smell- bad odor, musty, earthy or foul stench
  • Clean up
    • Dry your home
      • Open windows; use fans
      • Remove objects that have been wet more than 48 hours
      • Remove any standing water
      • Control moisture levels (dehumidifiers and/or air conditioners)
      • Remove growth from hard surfaces use chemical products
        • Use soapy solution first on surfaces
        • Never use more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water
        • Never mix chemicals
        • Never go against manufactures guidelines
        • Use a stiff brush
        • Protect yourself and children
          • Remove children from cleaning area
          • Use gloves, mask and eye protection
        • If you suspect you have health problems due to flood water or possible mold exposure, contact your health care provider.
        • The American Red Cross has Flood Clean-up Kits available. Contact Jason Bradshaw at 812-306-7285.

 

Damaged Household Items:

  • Large appliances should be disposed of at local salvage yards.
  • Small appliances, electronics, carpeting, mattresses and other large household items can be taken to the Solid Waste Processing Center. Contact Carla Striegel-Winner at        812-482-7865

Remember “When in doubt, Throw it out!

If you have any questions, please contact the Dubois County Health Department at 812-481-7055.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *