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For Release Thursday, 13th
September
2001
PALM BEACH COUNTY—With the locally heavy rains the past few days the area is experiencing some flooding and much standing water. The Palm Beach County Health Department is issuing precautions people should take to prevent potential health hazards.
Children and adults should not play in pools of standing water or mud.
Minimize outdoor activity from dusk to dawn to avoid mosquito contact.
If you do go out, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, and use insect repellant on exposed skin according to manufacturers recommendation.
Wash hands, feet, and body thoroughly after contact with standing or
contaminated water. If you have an abrasion or open sore clean it thoroughly with an anti-bacterial soap and clean water, apply anti-bacterial salve and
bandage.
Private well users that have had severe flooding above the ground level of the well
point should boil their water vigorously for five minutes and let it cool before drinking, brushing, or cleaning consumables like fruits and vegetables. Once the floodwater subsides water from the well should be tested by a private lab to ascertain its safety for consumption.
Any back flow from sewers, toilets etc. into a residence should be cleaned while wearing rubber boots and waterproof gloves. Absorbent finishes like carpeting, throw rugs, or wall coverings contaminated with sewage should be discarded. Furnishings may be salvageable if cleaned by a professional furniture restoration specialist. Clothes should be washed in soap and hot water. All hard surfaces like concrete or tile floors should be washed with soap and water followed by sanitizing with spray disinfectant or 1/2-cup bleach to a gallon of water.
Building materials must be dried as quickly as possible and thoroughly checked for dampness. Failure to dry surfaces may result in mold and mildew. Use fans and dehumidifiers as necessary.
If the mosquito infestation around the home is significantly worse than normal contact mosquito Control at (561)967-6480.
Any environmental or health related questions can be answered by calling the Health Department at (561)355-3070.
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