Baton Rouge
–
The Louisiana Department of
Health and Hospitals is
advising people to observe
safety measures if they
should come in contact with
floodwaters. Residents of
low-lying areas affected by
Mississippi River flooding
are advised to follow these
tips if flooding has
occurred near them.
Avoid contaminated
floodwaters –
There is always the
possibility that flooding
will cause sewage treatment
systems (both community and
residential) to fail,
exposing people to
disease-causing bacteria.
· Be
on the lookout for dangerous
wildlife in the floodwaters
such as snakes, rats,
alligators or any frightened
animal. Stay away.
· Be
aware of submerged
electrical or power lines.
Electrocution is a major
killer in floods. Electrical
current can travel through
water. Report downed power
lines to your utility
company or local emergency
manager.
· If
you have been in contact
with floodwaters, showering
with soap and water is
sufficient.
· Wading
in the water could pose a
health risk if it enters the
body through an exposed
wound.
“Our message is clear, ‘stay
out of the water.’ Rapidly
rising waters pose many
dangers, but they can all be
avoided by not coming into
contact with the water,”
said Dr. Jimmy Guidry, state
health officer.
Guidry also assured citizens
that there is usually not a
risk for Hepatitis A,
typhoid or cholera from the
flood waters from direct
contact with the water,
however, the floodwaters
should never be consumed.
Don’t drink floodwater
– Because the floodwaters
may contain disease-causing
bacteria or viruses, don’t
drink or ingest it.
· If
you get your drinking water
from a well, boil it before
drinking it.
· Be
aware of any other boil
water advisories issued by
the State, local government
or your local water system.
Other tips offered by health
officials include:
· Motor
vehicle drivers and
pedestrians should use
precautions when crossing
any flowing body of water
due to the possibility of
dangerous currents.
· Practice
good hygiene during cleanup
– Assume that
everything touched by
floodwater is contaminated
with bacteria and will have
to be disinfected. People
are advised to wash their
hands frequently during
cleanup and always wear
rubber gloves.
·
Septic tanks – Flooding
will keep septic systems
and other residential sewage
disposal systems from
operating correctly until
the floodwaters recede.
Homeowners should avoid
using the home’s plumbing
system if the septic tank or
the drain field is still
underwater. Do not use the
plumbing system if sewage is
backing up into the house.
Health Tips for Flooded
Areas
Add One
· Look
before you step – After a
flood, the ground and floors
are covered with debris
including broken glass,
nails and other sharp
objects. Floors and stairs
that have been covered with
mud can be very slippery.
· Gas
Leaks – Use a flashlight to
inspect for damage. Don't
smoke or use candles,
lanterns or open flames
unless you are sure that the
gas has been turned off and
the area has been aired out.
· Carbon
Monoxide – Always use a
generator or other
gasoline-powered machine
outdoors. The same goes for
camping stoves. Fumes from
charcoal are especially
deadly – cook with charcoal
only outdoors.
· Clean-up
– Floodwaters can pick up
sewage and chemicals from
roads, farms, factories and
storage buildings. Spoiled
food and flooded cosmetics
and medicines are health
hazards. When in doubt,
throw them out.
For more information on
flooding and the dangers to
health, the Louisiana
Department of Health and
Hospitals and the Governor’s
Office of Homeland Security
and Emergency Preparedness
have posted information on
their respective Web sites:
www.dhh.louisiana.gov
www.ohsep.louisiana..gov
For more information,
contact:
Allison Hadley
Morgan
Bob Johannessen
Governor’s Office of
Homeland Security
Department of
Health and Hospitals
Assistant PIO
Bureau of Media and
Communications
225-925-3966 –
Office 225-342-1532
– Office
225-439-3976 –
Cell 225-938-5144
– Cell
