Jackson, Miss- The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) continues to monitor the health impacts of severe storms that hit the state on Wednesday. Significant power outages, home repairs, and flooding can create dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations.
MSDH recommends residents should take the following precautions:
Personal Protection:
When cleaning up storm-damaged areas, be sure to wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes to prevent cuts and scratches from debris. Do not let children play in floodwater and discard any items that come into contact with floodwater.
Tetanus Information:
Tetanus vaccination is recommended if it’s been 10 years or more since your last tetanus vaccination (Tdap is the recommended vaccine). In the event of a puncture wound or wound contaminated with floodwater, individuals should consult a healthcare provider. Tetanus vaccinations are available at all county health departments.
Around Your Home:
When cleaning up debris around your home, be sure ladders are secure before climbing on them to clean the roof and gutters. If you plan to use a chainsaw to clear debris, be sure to operate the machine according to the instructions. If injury occurs, call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical help.
Flooding can cause mold to grow inside your home, which can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems. MSDH does not handle mold removal or abatement. You will need to call a private contractor for further assistance.
Food Safety:
· If you have lost power to refrigerators/freezers for more than four hours you should throw out all perishable food.
· If you are storing food in coolers, make sure the temperature is 40 degrees or below.
· Food that is still frozen or cold (40 degrees Fahrenheit or less) is safe to prepare.
Carbon Monoxide:
MSDH recommends the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers in enclosed spaces including indoors or in the garage. If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside. In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Boil Water Alerts:
If your water system is under a boil water alert:
- Do not drink tap water.
- Do not use ice made from recent tap water.
- Do not use tap water to make drinks, juices, or fountain soft drinks.
- Cook with tap water ONLY if food is boiled for at least one minute.
- Wash dishes, fruits and vegetables in boiled water or water that has been disinfected with bleach. Using your home dishwasher is not recommended.
- Brush your teeth with boiled or bottled water.
- Wash your hands and bathe as usual. Bathing is safe as long as no water is swallowed.
- Wash laundry as usual. Laundry washed in hot or cold water is safe.Bring water to a rolling boil for one minute to kill most organisms. To track active and lifted boil water alerts, visit the MSDH website at Water Safety Notices - Mississippi State Department of Health
Disinfecting Private Water Wells:
Homeowners impacted by flooding who do not receive their water supply from a public water system regulated by the MSDH should have their private well inspected, disinfected and sampled in order to protect their health. For step-by-step instructions on disinfecting your private water well, visit the MSDH website at Private Well Disinfection - Mississippi State Department of Health.