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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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Press Release
For Immediate Release
August 13, 2004 |
Contact: CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286 |
CDC Offers Advice for People to Protect Themselves
After a Storm
Health and Safety Are Just As Important After Hurricane
As Americans brace for the impact of Tropical Storm Bonnie and Hurricane
Charley, they must also prepare for the threats that these storms may leave
behind. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers advice
to help people protect themselves from illness, injury, and death after the
storms subside.
Once a severe storm has passed, immediate concerns include food and water
safety, structural safety, utility and fire hazards, carbon monoxide
hazards, cleanup activities, and protection from mosquitoes. People can
protect themselves and their families after a storm by following these CDC
guidelines:
- Do not drive through flooded roads. Cars can be swept away or break
down.
- Listen to announcements in local media (radio, TV, or newspaper) to
find out if it's safe to use tap water. Follow the instructions given for
using water.
- If you do not know whether the water is safe to use, boil water before
you use it for anything (brushing teeth, cooking, drinking or bathing).
- Throw away any food that may have been touched by flood water or may
be unsafe to eat because of power loss.
- Use canned baby formulas that are ready-to-use (you don't have to add
anything to them). Do not prepare infant formulas with water that has been
treated with chemicals.
- Be aware of possible structural, electrical, or gas-leak hazards as
you return to and begin cleaning homes or other buildings.
- To prevent growth of some bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew that can
cause illness, disinfect and dry out buildings and the items in them.
- Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights instead of candles.
- Some small engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, gas ranges put off
carbon monoxide gas and should only be used in well-ventilated areas.
Burning charcoal and wood may also emit dangerous fumes.
- Protect yourself from mosquitoes: wear long-sleeved and long-legged
clothing, and use insect repellents that contain DEET.
CDC has expanded its website to include detailed information on
hurricanes, floods, and lingering dangers for the affected communities. More
information is available at
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/. Residents may also contact
their local health authorities for additional guidelines, notifications and
information.
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