Health and Fitness : Protect Health during Flooding

Benton County is ready to assist residents as they prepare for possible flooding. “While saving treasured possessions is an understandable priority, personal safety must come first,” said Nancy Farmer, Benton County Public Health Director.

Flooding can lead to significant health risks posed by improper waste disposal, cleanliness of drinking water, food safety, power outages, electrical hazards, and clean-up measures. To help prevent injuries, Benton County Public Health reminds residents to:

* Avoid contact with flood water as much as possible. Do not wade or swim through flood water.

* Immediately wash hands and bare skin that come in contact with flood water with soap and hot water.

* Be aware that when power goes out, refrigerated food may go bad after two hours, and frozen food may spoil after 24 hours.

* If in a flooded area, use only clean water (bottled, boiled, or treated) for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene such as brushing teeth.

* Be extra careful during cleanup efforts. Keep children and pets out of the affected areas, discard any items that cannot be completely washed and disinfected, and watch where you step.

* Only use gas-powered generators/power washers in a well-ventilated outdoor area during clean up.

For more information, please visit www.idph.state.ia.us