For Additional information, visit the Volusia/Flagler Public Information Network

- - - - BEFORE a Storm Information - - - -

* * * MAKING A DISASTER SUPPLY KIT * * *

TALLAHASSEE – A disaster supply kit for your home or an evacuation should include items in six basic areas: (1) water, (2) food, (3) first aid supplies and medications, (4) clothing and bedding, (5) tools and emergency supplies, and (6) important family documents.

You will need a supply kit if you are confined to your home. It is also valuable if you evacuate to a place other than a well-stocked shelter or if you’re unsure of the shelter’s supplies.

Tips for Making Your Kit

• Keep loose items in airtight plastic bags.

• Gather the kit’s items in easy-to-carry containers or duffle bags. Put kit within reach of your most often used exit.

• Check and update your kit and family needs at least once a year.

Tips for Water & Food Supplies

• A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water daily. Heat and intense activity can double this amount. Children, nursing mothers and those with special needs may require more.

• Food preparation and sanitation require another two quarts (minimum) per person daily.
  Purchased bottled water that has been sealed is best for storage. It meets FDA guidelines for food, is not as vulnerable to temperature changes as unsealed water and has no shelf life. (Some bottles do have expiration dates, but this is mainly for inventory control.) If for any reason you must disinfect water, use unscented bleach in the ratio of 8 drops per gallon, about 1/8 teaspoon, and let the mixture sit 30 minutes before use.

• Choose compact, lightweight foods that do not require refrigeration, cooking or preparation and foods that use little or no water.

• Hand washing with soap and water is extremely important. However, in the event water for hand washing is unavailable, use alcohol-based sanitizer.

DOH recommends a three-day supply of food and water in your kit, including:

• One gallon of water per person per day

• Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits and vegetables

• Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)

• Powdered milk and canned juices

• High-energy snacks and comfort/stress foods

• Food for infants and individuals with special needs

• Pedialyte (to restore hydration if needed)

• Mess kits or paper cups, plates and plastic utensils

• Non-electric can opener, utility knife

For tools and emergency supplies, DOH recommends:

• Cash or traveler’s checks, coins

• Map of the area for locating shelters

• Battery-operated radio and flashlight, extra batteries

• Fire extinguisher

• Pliers and shut-off wrench to turn off household water and/or gas

• Compass, signal flare, whistle and tube tent

• Plastic sheeting, storage containers and bucket with tight lid

• Plastic garbage bags and ties for sanitation

• Tape (duct, masking)

• Candles and matches in a waterproof container

• Paper, pencil

• Needles, thread

• Medicine dropper

• Aluminum foil

• Toilet paper, moistened towelettes and towels

• Soap, liquid detergent, disinfectant and unscented household chlorine bleach

• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

• Infant supplies (diapers, bottles and pacifiers)

For clothing and bedding supplies, DOH recommends:

• At least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person

• Sturdy shoes, work boots, hats and gloves

• Blankets or sleeping bags and pillows

• Rain gear

• Extra prescription glasses, sunglasses and/or contact lenses

•  

DOH recommends having first aid kits for your home and cars, including:

• A three-day supply of each person’s vital medications

• Prescription drugs

• Sterile adhesive bandages in assorted sizes

• 2-inch and 4-inch sterile gauze pads (4–6)

• 2-inch and 3-inch sterile roller bandages (3 rolls)

• Triangular bandages (3)

• Latex gloves (at least 2 pairs)

• Cleansing agent, soap and moistened towelettes

• Antiseptic and antibiotic ointment

• Petroleum jelly or other lubricant

• Assorted sizes of safety pins

• Scissors, tweezers, needle and thermometer

• Tongue depressors (2)

• Non-prescription drugs

• Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

• Anti-diarrhea medication, antacid and laxative

• Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)

• Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

• Sunscreen

• Mosquito repellent, with DEET when appropriate

DOH recommends copies of the following important family documents are kept in a waterproof, portable container within kits:

• Insurance policies

• Contracts and deeds

• Stocks and bonds

• Social Security cards and passports

• Immunization records and prescriptions

• Bank account numbers

• Credit card account numbers and company names and telephone numbers

• Inventory of valuable household goods

• Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates) and wills

• Current photographs of family members

For further information, contact a local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384
 

* * * MAKING A FAMILY PLAN FOR DISASTERS & EMERGENCIES* * *

TALLAHASSEE – In the event of a hurricane, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends families to establish a disaster or emergency plan.

EVALUATE

• Identify potential threats in your community, such as the location of flood prone areas, power plants and hazardous chemicals.

• Discuss how natural and man-made threats could affect your family.

• Evaluate your property’s vulnerability to hazards, such as storm surge, flooding and wildfires.

• Check your insurance coverage.

•  

PREPARE

• Identify the safest areas of your home for each threat. In many circumstances, the safest area may not be your home but elsewhere in your community. During times of evacuation, you will be given instructions on evacuation routes.

• Specify escape routes from your home and places to meet (rally points), such as a neighbor’s home, a school or a public location.

• Make a plan for evacuating the area if required.

• Designate an out-of-area contact—friend or family member—so that each of your immediate family members has the same single point of contact. Plan to have at least two means of communication, (e.g., e-mail, phone and cell phone).

• Make a plan for your pets should you need to evacuate. Most shelters will accept service animals.

• Have your family emergency information accessible, including important family documents such as prescriptions and insurance information.

• Post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911. Make sure any cell phones are fully charged.

• Assemble and maintain a disaster supply kit. A battery-powered weather radio equipped with a special alarm tone feature is a vital tool. During an emergency, National Weather Service forecasters will interrupt routine weather radio programming and send out the special tone that activates weather radios in the listening area.

MONITOR & ACT

• When a disaster occurs, listen to news sources for information and instructions.

• Evacuate or seek medical attention quickly if instructed by authorities. If you cannot obtain information, determine as best as you can if you are in a danger area.

• Whether you stay or evacuate, don’t panic. Follow your family plan.

For further information, contact a local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384
 

* * * MEDICATIONS IN DISASTER SITUATIONS * * *

TALLAHASSEE– In the event of a tropical storm or hurricane, you may need to evacuate your home and regular services may be temporarily limited. To ensure that you are able to continue taking your medications under such circumstances, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends that you plan now by taking the following measures:

• Call your doctor now and request a 30-day supply of medication if possible.

• Get a pill organizer and pack enough pills for two weeks. Get assistance from your caregiver or medical professional in making sure you have packed enough of the medications you will need.

• Make a list of all your medications: how they should be taken, what time, etc. Make copies of the list. Put one copy with the medications; give one to a friend, and keep one with you at all times. Make sure to list any allergies, as well as foods you need to avoid. Your doctor’s name and emergency phone number should also be on this list. Your medical professional or caregiver should be able to assist you in this.

• Pack your medications now to have ready to carry with you at a moment’s notice.

• If you are taking prescription narcotic pain medications, keep them with you at all times.

• If you are on a special diet or require special supplements, take a two-week supply with you.

• Over the counter items that you should also bring with you: Pain reliever/ Ibuprofen, antacid, laxative/suppository, Imodium, Benadryl, decongestant, antibiotic ointment, lubricating eye drops.

• If you are using respiratory medications with a nebulizer, bring it with you.

- - - AFTER a Storm Information - - -

* * * TETANUS VACCINE FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO SUFFER WOUNDS * * *

TALLAHASSEE – With the amount of debris left by a tropical storm or hurricane, Floridians working on clean-up efforts could be at risk of sustaining injuries. Below is information on who may or may not need to receive a vaccination:

• If you have not had a cut or wound, you do not require tetanus vaccination regardless of your exposure to floodwaters.

• If you sustain a laceration and/or puncture wound and have not had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years, you will need a tetanus booster.

• If you have an especially serious wound, then you should receive a tetanus booster within five years of last vaccination.

• If you sustain a wound or deep cut that concerns you, seek medical attention. Medical attention is required to determine if a tetanus booster is needed.

• Proper wound care is essential for all cuts and lacerations regardless of exposure to floodwaters.

What is Tetnus?
Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. It is contracted through a cut or wound that becomes contaminated with tetanus bacteria. The bacteria can penetrate even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but deep puncture wounds or cuts, like those made by nails, knives or barbed-wire, are especially susceptible to infection with tetanus. Tetanus bacteria are present worldwide and are commonly found in soil, dust and manure. Infection with tetanus causes severe muscle spasms, leading to "locking" of the jaw so that the patient cannot open his/her mouth or swallow, and may even lead to death by suffocation. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms
Common first signs of tetanus are headache and muscular stiffness in the jaw (lockjaw) followed by stiffness of the neck, difficulty in swallowing, rigidity of abdominal muscles, spasms, sweating and fever. Symptoms usually begin eight days after the infection but may range in onset from three days to three weeks.

Individuals deployed to work on recovery efforts are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or local County Health Department prior to deployment if they feel they need a tetanus shot.

For further information, contact your local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384
 

* * * FLOOD WATERS POSE HEALTH RISKS * * *

Tallahassee – Tropical storms and hurricanes can cause flooding. Although skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, health hazards are a concern when waters become contaminated. Flood waters may contain fecal material, associated bacteria and viruses.

DOH recommends the following precautions to prevent possible illness from flood waters:

• Basic hygiene is critical. Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.

• Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.

• Do not wade through standing water. If you do, bathe and put on clean clothes as soon as possible.

• Avoid contact with flood waters if you have open cuts or sores. If you have any open cuts or sores and cannot avoid contact with flood waters, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention. Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds and have not had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years require a tetanus booster.

• If there is a backflow of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard absorbent household materials, such as wallcoverings, cloth, rugs, and sheetrock. Clean walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly disinfect food contact surfaces (counter tops, refrigerators, tables) and areas where small children play. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water. Air dry larger items in the sun and spray them with a disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting.

If your plumbing is functioning slowly or sluggishly, you should:

Conserve water as much as possible; the less water used the less sewage the septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine. Go to a laundromat. Rental of a portable toilet for a temporary period may be another option.

• Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the fundamental problem is high ground water, pumping the tank does nothing to solve that problem.

• If you cannot use your plumbing without creating a sanitary nuisance, i.e., without sewage being exposed, consider moving to a new location until conditions improve.

• Do not have the septic tank and drain field repaired until the ground has dried. Often systems are completely functional when unsaturated conditions return. Any repair must be permitted and inspected by your county health department.

For further information, please contact your local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557.

Public Information Emergency Support Function: (850)-921-0384.

* * * PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS AND OTHER MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESSES * * *

Due to floodwaters from a tropical storm or hurricane, Florida Department of Health (DOH) officials emphasize the importance of Florida’s residents and visitors protecting themselves against mosquito-borne diseases.

DOH continues to advise the public to remain diligent in protecting themselves from mosquito bites by following the “5 D’s,” which include:

• Dusk and Dawn – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.

• Dress – Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.

• DEET – When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options. If additional protection is necessary, a permethrin repellent can be applied directly to your clothing.  Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

• Drainage – Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Tips on Repellent Use

• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to skin. Some repellants are not suitable for children.

• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other potential mosquito repellents, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2005, contain picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.

• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
  In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.

• Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present.

• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites

• Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to prevention.

• Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.

• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.

• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.

• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.

• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.

• Pump out bilges on boats.

• Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.

• Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.

• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

Symptoms of West Nile virus may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness. DOH laboratories provide testing services for physicians treating patients with clinical signs of mosquito-borne disease.

DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including West Nile (WN) virus, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE), malaria and dengue. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s Environmental Health Web site at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/community/arboviral/index.html, call the West Nile Virus Hot line at 1-888-880-5782 or your local county health department.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission maintains a Web site for reporting wild bird die offs related to West Nile Virus. To report a suspected case, visit http://wildflorida.org/bird.

Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384
 

* * * DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CAUTIONS FLORIDIANS
ABOUT MOLD IN WATER-DAMAGED BUILDINGS * * *

Tallahassee - As Floridians clean and repair their storm damaged homes and buildings, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) urges the public to take precautionary measures to avoid indoor air quality problems. Moisture that enters buildings from leaks or flooding accelerates mold growth. Molds can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the storm. Failure to control moisture and mold can present short and long- term health risks.

To protect against health risks associated with mold:

• Remove standing water from your home or office.

• Remove wet materials.

• If mold growth has already occurred, carefully remove or clean the moldy material.

• Consider using personal protective equipment when cleaning or removing mold – gloves, goggles and an N-95 particle respirator (found at most local hardware stores). Check with a health care provider before wearing a respirator. Do not use a respirator if you have heart disease or chronic lung disease such as asthma or emphysema.

• Individuals with known mold allergies or asthma should not clean or remove moldy materials.

Remember to not mix cleaners and disinfectants, as hazardous gases may produce hazardous chemical reactions. Read and follow label instructions carefully. Open windows and doors to provide plenty of fresh air.

For more information about indoor air quality and mold growth, contact your local county health department, the Florida Department of Health's Indoor Air Toxics Hotline at 800-543-8279 or visit the Department of Health Web site at www.doh.state.fl.us and select “mold” from the subject list.

Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384

* * * SAFETY TIPS FOR HOME REPAIR IN STORM-DAMAGED AREAS* * *

TALLAHASSEE – The danger of a storm does not end when it passes. As Florida citizens return to their homes and begin repairs, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) suggests taking the following safety precautions to prevent personal injury:

• If possible, work in pairs or groups. Take short breaks and work during the cooler hours of the day.

• Wear goggles, heavy gloves and steel-toed boots.

• Immediately clean all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Cuts beyond minor scratches may require medical attention.

• Never assume that water-damaged structures are safe; leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises occur.

• Avoid lifting more than 50 pounds of debris or building materials. Two or more people should move bulky objects.

• Avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion by wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and drinking a glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes.

• Never bring gasoline or diesel-powered pumps, generators or pressure washers indoors as they release carbon monoxide – a deadly, colorless, odorless gas.

• Only experienced individuals should use chain saws and specialized equipment. When using chain saws or other heavy equipment, wear earplugs.

• To prevent electrocution in wet areas, turn power off at the main breaker.

• Never handle a downed power line.

• Set priorities for clean-up tasks and pace the work over several days or weeks.

• Avoid exhaustion by taking frequent rest breaks and resuming a normal sleep schedule as soon as possible.

• Take advantage of disaster relief programs and services in your community.

For more information, visit the DOH website at www.doh.state.fl.us.
Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

Public Information Emergency Support Function: (850) 921-0384
 

* * * HOME CLEAN-UP AFTER THE STORM * * *

TALLAHASSEE – After a storm or hurricane has passed, failure to remove contaminated materials can cause health risks. If there is flooding along with a hurricane, water must be removed as quickly as possible since it may contain material from overflowing sewage systems. If there has been a backflow of sewage into the house, the following measures should be taken to ensure proper clean-up:

• Walls, hard-surfaced floors and many other household surfaces must be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to five gallons of water.
• Thoroughly disinfect surfaces that come in contact with food and children’s play areas.
• Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry-clean.
• Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, must be air dried in the sun and sprayed thoroughly with a disinfectant.
• Steam-clean all carpeting.
• Fiberboard, fibrous insulation and disposable filters that have contacted floodwater or sewage should be replaced in your heating and air conditioning system.
• Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during clean-up.

Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants, as combining certain types of products can produce toxic fumes and result in injury or death.

It can be difficult to throw away items in a home, particularly those with sentimental value. However, keeping certain items soaked by sewage or floodwaters may be unhealthy. In general, materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be discarded.

For further information, contact a local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.Floridadisaster.org.

The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384

* * * HEALTH RISKS AFTER A STORM* * *

Food safety: Preventing food-borne diseases

• Individuals should not eat any food that may have come into contact with contaminated water from floods or tidal surges.
• Commercially prepared cans of food should not be eaten if there is a bulging or opening on the can or the screw caps, soda pop bottle tops or twist-caps.
• Undamaged, commercially canned foods can be saved if you remove the labels and then disinfect the cans in a bleach solution. Use ¼ cup of bleach in one gallon of water; re-label the cans including expiration date and type of food. Assume that home-canned food is unsafe.
• Infants should be fed only pre-mixed canned baby formula. Do not use powdered formulas prepared with treated water. Use boiled water when preparing formula.
• Frozen and refrigerated foods can be unsafe after a hurricane. When the power is out, refrigerators will keep foods cool for only about four hours. Thawed and refrigerated foods should be thrown out after four hours.

Sanitation and Hygiene: Preventing waterborne illness

• Basic hygiene is very important during this emergency period. Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before eating, after toilet use, after participating in cleanup activities and after handling articles contaminated by floodwater or sewage.
• Flooding that occurs after the hurricane may mean that water contains fecal matter from sewage systems, agricultural and industrial waste and septic tanks. If you have open cuts or sores exposed to the floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and disinfected or boiled water. Apply antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection. If a wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage, see a physician.
• Do not allow children to play in floodwater. They can be exposed to water contaminated with fecal matter. Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in floodwater until the toys have been disinfected. Use ¼ cup of bleach in one gallon of water to disinfect toys and other items.

Power Outages: Preventing fire hazards

• Using battery-powered lanterns and flashlights is preferable to using candles.
• If you must use candles, make sure you put them in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood or other flammable items.

Clearing Standing Water: Preventing mosquito-borne Illness

• Heavy rains and flooding can lead to an increase in mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise and sunset. Public health authorities will be working actively to control the spread of any diseases transmitted by mosquitoes.
• To protect against mosquitoes, the public should remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts. These should include the “5 D’s” for prevention:
• Dusk and Dawn – Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.
• Dress – Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
• DEET – When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.
• Drainage – Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

Tips on Repellent Use

• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent to skin. Some repellants are not suitable for children.
• Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended. Other potential mosquito repellents, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in April 2005, contain picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients on the product label.
• Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
• In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
• Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present.
• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites

Elimination of breeding sites is one of the keys to prevention.

• Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
• Remove old tires or drill holes to drain those used in playgrounds.
• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
• Pump out bilges on boats.
• Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week.

Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.

Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.

For further information, contact a local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557.

Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384.

* * * FLOODING * * *

As tropical storms or hurricanes move through the state, a large amount of rainfall may be experienced. It is important to be prepared for issues related to flooding.

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 their vehicle.

Pooling Flood Water
Heavy rain causes flood waters to rise and pool on streets and throughout neighborhoods. In these situations, be aware of the following:

• Road surfaces become obscured, 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 conducted through 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 floodwater should thoroughly rinse any exposed body parts with soap and clean water.
  

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recommends one of the following:

• Boil the water before drinking, holding it at a rolling boil for one minute.
• Disinfect it 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 only bottled water for mixing baby formula.

After the flooding subsides:

• Disinfect your well using the procedures available from your local health department or provided on the DOH website at: www.doh.state.fl.us/environment/water/manual/floodinf.htm.
• Have your water tested by your local health department or by a laboratory certified by the state to do drinking water analyses.

Contaminated Food
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. Discard any food without a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with floodwater. Undamaged, commercially canned foods can be saved if you remove the labels thoroughly, wash the cans, and then disinfect them with a solution consisting of 1/4 cup of bleach per gallon of water for clean surfaces. 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 flood water 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 flood waters. 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 1/4 cup of household bleach per gallon of water.

Hygiene
Basic hygiene is very important during an emergency period. Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected and cooled before eating, after toilet use, after participating in cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated by floodwater or sewage.

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

The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557.

* * * FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - CARBON MONOXIDE * * *

Q. What Is Carbon Monoxide?

A. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas that interferes with the delivery of oxygen in the blood to the rest of the body and is highly poisonous.

A. Carbon monoxide is produced as a result of incomplete burning of fuels including coal, wood, charcoal, natural gas, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and heating oil. It can be produced by portable generators, small gasoline engines, charcoal grills, gas stoves, automobile exhaust from attached garages, and smoking tobacco. Problems can arise as a result of improper placement, installation, operation, maintenance of CO-generating devices or appliances. Improperly designed or malfunctioning exhaust systems for permanently installed home combustion appliances may also contribute to elevated CO levels. Portable generators and charcoal grills are major sources of CO and should never be operated inside enclosed or partially enclosed buildings or near doors, windows and openings to the house.

A. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.

A. If you think you are suffering from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, you should get fresh air immediately. Turn off all combustion appliances and leave the house. Go to an emergency room. Be sure to tell the physician that you suspect CO poisoning. Don’t ignore symptoms, especially if more than one person is feeling them. In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

A. To prevent CO poisoning, ensure that all household combustion appliances (fireplaces, stoves, water heaters, furnaces) are properly adjusted and working to manufacturers’ instructions and local building codes and make sure stoves and heaters are exhaust vented to the outside and that exhaust systems do not leak.

Do not use ovens and gas ranges to heat your home. Do not burn charcoal inside a home, cabin, recreational vehicle, or camper, and never leave a car or lawn mower engine running in a shed or garage, or in any enclosed or partially enclosed space. NEVER use gas-powered generators or pressure washers inside any building or structure. Ventilating a building or structure will not prevent the buildup of life threatening levels of CO. Do not locate portable generators or portable gasoline engines near any opening of the house (windows, doors, window air conditioners, exhaust vents).

A. Consider installing CO alarms in your home. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends the installation of CO alarms in every home. Install battery operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery backup according to manufacturer’s installation instructions. The CO alarm should be certified to the requirements of the latest safety standards for CO alarms (UL 2034, IAS 6-96, CSA 6.19.01).

REMEMBER: Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms can be used as a backup but not as a replacement for proper use, placement and maintenance of your fuel-burning appliances or gas powered portable equipment. Also, understand that CO alarms are designed to sound an alert at fairly high levels. Lower level CO exposure below the alarm threshold could still contribute to adverse health effects in susceptible individuals (persons with heart or lung disease for example).

For further information, contact a local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557

Public Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384

* * * HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN OF CARBON MONOXIDE DANGERS * * *
--Generator safety precautions can help prevent poisoning--

TALLAHASSEE – As residents begin the task of preparing for a tropical storm or hurricane, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) exposure by taking precautions with gas-powered appliances and charcoal or gas grills.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.

DOH recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.

• NEVER use a generator indoors, including in homes, garages, basements, crawl spaces, and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even with ventilation. Opening doors and windows or using fans will not prevent CO build-up in the home.

• ALWAYS place generators on a dry surface, away from doors, windows, vents, and air conditioning equipment that could allow CO to come indoors. Follow the instructions that come with your generator.

• If you start to feel sick, dizzy, or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air RIGHT AWAY. DO NOT DELAY.

• Remember that you cannot see or smell CO and portable generators can produce high levels of CO very quickly. If you find a person who has collapsed or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.

• Install battery-operated CO alarms or plug-in CO alarms with battery back-up in your home, according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

• Test your CO alarms frequently and replace dead batteries.