The storm is over … now what?

Citizens urged to prepare before
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Although the storm is over, it is not business as usual for those who were affected by the floods in Cobb and Douglas Counties earlier this week.

“While many people are breathing a sigh of relief now that they can get back into their homes, we want them to be aware that even though the storm has passed, many hazards still exist,” said Pam Blackwell, Director of Center for Emergency Preparedness and Response, Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

Cobb & Douglas Public Health want residents to be aware of the things they need to do to prevent illness and injuries, stay safe from hazards that may exist in homes after storms, and how to safely clean up mold and other damage.

Here are a few tips:

Preventing illness from food and water
  • Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water
  • Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible and add block ice or dry ice if the electricity is expected to be off longer than 4 hours
  • Make sure tap water is safe to drink or use for cooking or bathing
  • If water is unsafe, follow the directions of local authorities to safely disinfect the water
Preventing and treating other injuries and illnesses
  • Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority.
  • Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure is about to fall
  • Prevent Carbon Monoxide poisoning: Don't use a generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home or near a window, door, or vent.
  • Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin.
  • Avoid wild or stray animals. Take appropriate precautions to avoid animal bites and rabies exposure. Call local authorities to handle animals. Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines.
  • Pace yourself and get support
  • Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).
Returning home safely
  • Do not enter a building if you smell gas. Call 911. Do not light a match or turn on lights.
  • Wear waterproof boots and gloves to avoid floodwater touching your skin.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and clean water, or use a hand-cleaning gel with alcohol in it.
  • Avoid tetanus and other infections by getting medical attention for a dirty cut or deep puncture wound.
Clean Your Home and Stop Mold
  • Take out items that have soaked up water and that cannot be cleaned and dried. Fix water leaks. Use fans and dehumidifiers and open doors and windows to remove moisture.
  • To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water.
  • To remove mold, mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, wash the item with the bleach mixture, scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush, rinse the item with clean water, then dry it or leave it to dry.
  • Check and clean heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems before use.
  • Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles when cleaning with bleach. Open windows and doors to get fresh air. Never mix bleach and ammonia. The fumes from the mixture could kill you.

For more detailed information please go to www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org. or visit the CDC website at http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/.