Press Release - Friday, January 11, 2008
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Governor Blagojevich urges residents in northern, eastern Illinois to stay safe and healthy during and after flooding
SPRINGFIELD - After declaring Iroquois and Livingston counties state disaster areas due to severe flooding that has forced more than 430 people from their homes, Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today urged residents in and around the disaster areas to take precautions to help prevent disease in order to stay safe and healthy.
"The floods in the northern and eastern part of the state have turned hundreds of lives upside-down, destroying their homes and devastating neighborhoods. It is important that people in these areas protect themselves from disease often carried by flood waters by staying out of the water as much as possible. The State is working to assist people in this disastrous time and encourage them to be vigilant as the waters recede," said Gov. Blagojevich.
Flood waters and sewer overflows can contain bacteria, fecal material, viruses and other organisms that may cause disease. The following information can help protect communities from illness and injury.
These basic precautions can help to prevent disease:
- Avoid skin contact with sewer water, especially cuts and sores. Keep them clean and covered.
- Do not allow children to play in areas contaminated by sewage backup.
- Do not eat or drink anything exposed to sewer water.
- Keep contaminated objects, such as water and hands away from mucous membranes (mouth, eyes and nose).
- Wash hands frequently, especially after bathroom use, before eating and immediately following contact with sewer water or contaminated objects or surfaces.
Food and Water Safety
Use only bottled or disinfected water for drinking, cooking, tooth brushing and bathing until you are sure the water supply is safe. Discard food exposed to contaminated waters. If refrigerators or freezers have taken in water, discard food stored there. If no water entered these appliances, but power was lost long enough for foods to thaw, discard all partially thawed foods unless prepared immediately.
Discard milk, cheeses and other foods prone to spoilage.
Completely thawed meats and vegetables should be discarded without question. Discard all bulging or leaking canned food and any food stored in jars. Undented, intact cans can be cleaned with a bleach solution before use.
After the flood, removal and cleanup of sewer or flood water is essential. It is important to take the following precautions to prevent injury:
- Turn off main power switches if necessary. Air out and wipe dry all appliances and electrical outlets exposed to water before use.
- If you have fuel oil or gas systems, be sure tanks are secure and all lines are free from breaks.
- Wear rubber boots, gloves and a dust mask during removal and cleanup.
- Open windows if possible to ventilate and dry the area. Fans can be used to help with drying.
- Keep children from playing in water.
The following cleaning guidelines may help prevent the transmission of disease and reduce property loss:
Discard any contaminated objects that cannot be thoroughly washed or laundered.
- Wash contaminated surfaces and objects with warm, soapy water and then disinfect them with a bleach and water solution made of no more than one cup of 5.25 percent chlorine bleach per one gallon of water. For objects that would be damaged by bleach, use a home or laundry disinfectant.
- Make sure to read and follow label instructions. Do not use ammonia. Ammonia vapors mixed with bleach vapors create a toxic gas that could be deadly.
For more information call your local health department.
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