The Galveston County Daily News

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer tips to avoid illness after a disaster:

PREVENT ILLNESS FROM WATER

Local authorities will tell you if tap water is safe to drink or to use for cooking or bathing. If the water is not safe to use, follow local instructions to use bottled water or to boil or disinfect water for cooking, cleaning, or bathing.

Hold water at a rolling boil for 1 minute to kill bacteria. If you can’t boil water, add 1/8 teaspoon (approximately 0.75 mL) of newly purchased, unscented liquid household bleach per gallon of water. Stir the water well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. You can use water-purifying tablets instead of boiling water or using bleach.

For infants, use only pre-prepared canned baby formula. Do not use powdered formulas prepared with treated water.

Disinfect children’s toys that have come in contact with water. Use a solution of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water to disinfect the toys. Let toys air dry after cleaning. Some toys, such as stuffed animals and baby toys, cannot be disinfected; they should be discarded.

PREVENT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is produced by many types of equipment and is poisonous to breathe.

Don’t use a generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement or garage or near a window, door, or vent.

Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open. Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

If your carbon monoxide detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911. Seek prompt medical attention if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, or nauseated.

AVOID FLOODWATER and MOSQUITOES

Follow all warnings about water on roadways. Do not drive vehicles or heavy equipment through water.

If you have to work in or near floodwater, wear a life jacket. If you are caught in an area where floodwater is rising, wear a life jacket, or use some other type of flotation device. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin.

AVOID UNSTABLE BUILDINGS and STRUCTURES

Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority. Leave immediately if you hear shifting or unusual noises that signal that the structure is about to fall.

BEWARE OF WILD OR STRAY ANIMALS

Avoid wild or stray animals. Take appropriate precautions to avoid animal bites and rabies exposure. Call local authorities to handle animals. Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines.

BEWARE OF ELECTRICAL OR FIRE HAZARDS

Never touch a fallen power line. Call the power company to report fallen power lines. Avoid contact with overhead power lines during cleanup and other activities.

If electrical circuits and equipment have gotten wet or are in or near water, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Do not burn candles near flammable items or leave the candle unattended.

If possible, use flashlights or other battery-operated lights instead of candles.

PACE YOURSELF and GET SUPPORT

Be alert to physical and emotional exhaustion or strain. Set priorities for cleanup tasks, and pace the work. Try not to work alone. Don’t get exhausted. Ask your family members, friends, or professionals for support. If needed, seek professional help.

THROW AWAY UNSAFE FOOD

Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened or damaged. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.

Throw away perishable foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been above 40°F for 2 hours or more. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40°F or below can be refrozen or cooked.

If cans have come in contact with floodwater or storm water, remove the labels, wash the cans, and dip them in a solution of 1 cup (240 milliliters) of bleach in 5 gallons of water.

Relabel the cans with a marker.

STORE FOOD SAFELY

While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Add block ice or dry ice to your refrigerator if the electricity is expected to be off longer than 4 hours. Wear heavy gloves when handling ice.

STAY COOL

When it’s hot, stay in air-conditioned buildings; take breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms; drink water and nonalcoholic fluids often; wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; and do outdoor activities during cooler hours.

CLEAN UP AND PREVENT MOLD GROWTH

Clean up and dry out the building quickly (within 24 to 48 hours). Open doors and windows. Take out items that have soaked up water and that cannot be cleaned and dried. Fix water leaks. Use fans and dehumidifiers and open doors and windows to remove moisture.

To remove mold, mix 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water, wash the item with the bleach mixture, scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush, rinse the item with clean water, then dry it or leave it to dry.

Check and clean heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems before use.

To clean hard surfaces that do not soak up water and that may have been in contact with floodwater, first wash with soap and clean water. Next disinfect with a mixture of 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water. Then allow to air dry.

Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles when cleaning with bleach. Open windows and doors to get fresh air. Never mix bleach and ammonia. The fumes from the mixture could kill you.

PREVENT ELECTRICAL INJURIES

Do not touch fallen electrical wires. They may be live and could hurt or kill you. Turn off the electrical power at the main source if there is standing water. Do not turn on power or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.

PROTECT AGAINST INSECTS

Reduce mosquito bites. Consider avoiding outdoor activities during the evening and early morning, which are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Use an insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin.