PUBLIC HEALTH HOT LINES!
1-888-369-0700 or 607-687-8694
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Scott Freyburger 607-687-8489
Department of Health Recommendations & Precautions to Prevent Possible Illness from Flood Waters
New York State Department of Health recommends washing 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 that 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 wall coverings, cloth, rugs, and sheetrock. Clean walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of ¼ cup bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly disinfect food contact surfaces (i.e. 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.
