“AFTER THE FLOOD” WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

The City of Laredo Health Department is issuing the following tips to stay safe and healthy after the Rio Grande flood. 

PRECAUTIONS WHEN RETURNING TO YOUR HOME

·         The City of Laredo Building Department should have inspected for electricity in your home.  If they have not, please report it.

DRY OUT YOUR HOUSE

·         If you have electricity and a City Official has determined it’s safe to turn it on, remove all standing water. If you are operating equipment in wet areas, be sure to wear rubber boots.

·         If you do not have electricity, or it is not safe to turn it on, you can use a portable generator to power equipment to remove standing water.

·         Open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process.

·         Place fans and dehumidifiers near doors and windows; place them outward rather than inward to prevent the spread of mold.

·         Have your home heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold clean-up before you turn it on.

·         Prevent water outdoors from reentering your home.

CLEANUP

·      If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days, presume it has been contaminated with mold.

·      Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to five gallons of water. Disinfect surfaces that may come in contact with food, such as counter tops, pantry shelves, and refrigerators.

·      Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean them. For items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant, if possible purchase new ones. Steam clean all carpeting.

·      In case of a backflow of sewage into the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs, and drywall.

CHEMICAL HAZARDS

·      Propane tanks can cause dangers and explosions, if any are discovered, do not move them yourself.

·      Car batteries, even those in flood water, may contain an electrical charge. Avoid coming in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.

WILD ANIMALS, RODENTS AND INSECTS

·      Do not disturb, touch or play with snakes, rodents and insects such as spiders.

·      Avoid contact with displaced wild animals, these may carry rabies.

·      If bitten by an animal or snake, please seek medical attention immediately.

• Rain and flooding may lead to an increase in numbers of mosquitoes; use screens on dwellings, wear long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts; and use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin.
• To control mosquito populations, drain all standing water left outdoors in open containers.
• Call pest control.
• Cut yards.
• Get rid of debris, trash and food that may attract animals.
• Dead carcasses need to be removed either by the department of sanitation.
• Be sure that pets including livestock are current with their immunizations.

HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATIONS

• Do not drink or swim in water from the Rio Grande as it can result in bacterial, viral and parasitic disease.
• Practice basic hygiene.
• Be current with your vaccinations especially Tetanus.
• If you receive a puncture wound, have a doctor or the Health Department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary.
• Do not wade in flood waters if you have an open wound. 
• Throw away food - including canned goods – that has come in contact with flood waters and that has not been refrigerated properly.
• Consult your physician if you develop unexplained fever rash, vomiting or diarrhea.
• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Minimize stress by sharing all concerns with others that can help.
• If overwhelmed, consult with a mental health specialist and or social worker, the Health Department can provide you with one.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible.
• The Civic Center is open for food and shelter 24 hours.
• City officials and the Red Cross are providing supplies, food and water.
• The City will be providing updates on assistance for home repairs.
  
   

The City of Laredo officials continue to monitor the current situation closely, it is very important to NOT PANIC as the City of Laredo will be supporting all those affected by the flood. For more information about safety and sanitation procedures please contact the Laredo Health Department at (956) 795-4951, (956) 795-4950 or 311.