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.
- Dry your home
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.
