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Contact
information
Volusia
County Hotline
(866) 345-0345
United Way
First Call for Help
211 or (386)253-0563
Volusia County Schools
West Volusia
734-7190 ext. 20000
New Smyrna Beach
427-5223 ext. 20000
Daytona Beach
255-6475 ext. 20000
Deltona/DeBary
(386) 860-3322
DeLand
(386) 734-1711
Deltona
(386) 561-2109
Edgewater
(386) 424-2400
Flagler County
(386) 437-8202
New Smyrna Beach
Hotlines
(386) 424-2113
(386) 424-2114
Ormond
Beach
Public Works
(386) 676-3220
Police non-emergency (386) 677-0731
Ponce Inlet
(386) 322-6711
Port Orange
(386) 506-5999
FPL Hotline
1-800-4-OUTAGE
FEMA
Assistance number
1-800-621-3362.
American
Red Cross:
(386) 226-1400 (daily)
(866) GET-INFO (during crisis) |
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Thursday, May 21, 2009
Stefany Strong,
Public Information Officer
Paul Minshew,
Environmental Health Manager
Flood waters
pose health risks
DAYTONA BEACH– Recent heavy rains in Volusia County caused severe flooding
in some neighborhoods. The Volusia County Health Department urges citizens
to use caution in flooded areas.
"Although skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious
health risk, health hazards are very much a concern when waters become
contaminated," said Dr. Thomas R. Coleman, director of the Volusia County
Health Department. "Citizens should be aware that flood waters may contain
fecal material, associated bacteria and viruses."
The Volusia County Health Department recommends the following precautions to
prevent possible illness from flood waters:
- Basic hygiene is critical. Wash
your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected
before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating
in flood cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated
with flood water or sewage.
- Avoid eating or drinking
anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
- Do not wade through standing
water. If you do, bathe and put on clean clothes as soon as possible.
- Avoid contact with flood waters
if you have open cuts or sores. If you have any open cuts or sores and
cannot avoid contact with flood waters, keep them as clean as possible
by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops
redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds and have not
had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years require a tetanus
booster.
- If there is a backflow of
sewage into your house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during
cleanup. Remove and discard absorbent household materials, such as wall
coverings, cloth, rugs, and sheetrock. Clean walls and hard-surfaced
floors with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of
bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly disinfect food contact
surfaces (counter tops, refrigerators, tables) and areas where small
children play. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water. Air dry larger
items in the sun and spray them with a disinfectant. Steam clean all
carpeting.
If your plumbing is functioning
slowly or sluggishly, you should:
- Conserve water as much as
possible; the less water used the less sewage the septic tank must
process. Minimize use of your washing machine. Go to a laundromat.
Rental of a portable toilet for a temporary period may be another
option.
For more information, please visit
www.volusiahealth.com or
www.cdc.gov.
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Preparation information

Disaster Preparedness Guide
Shelters
What to bring
Pets
Special needs
Evacuation route maps and surge zones
Emergency Management

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