KDHE Issues Health Recommendations in Response to Tornados and Flooding

 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is advising residents affected by recent tornados and flooding to take the following precautions to protect their health:

• Storm and flood survivors should return home only when authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
• Avoid floodwaters if possible. Floodwaters may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage and underwater debris could be very dangerous. Water may also be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines. Stay away from downed power lines, and report them to the power company.
• Anyone who has been affected by flooding, especially first responders, should make sure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date. Anyone who can't remember when they last got a tetanus shot should get vaccinated to be safe. Tetanus shots are available at local health departments.
• Listen for news reports to learn whether the community's water supply is safe to drink. If there is any chance that drinking water is unsafe, boil it for at least one minute then allow it to cool before drinking.
• Avoid moving water to reduce risk of drowning.
• Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded. Roads may have weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car.
• Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters, due to risk of collapse.
• Use extreme caution when entering buildings-there may be hidden damage, particularly in foundations.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are serious health hazards.
• Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwater can contain sewage and chemicals.
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Fore more information, visit the FEMA Website on flooding at:
www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm

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