Media Release

Contact: Kelly Nettnin 252.475.5036 kellyn@darenc.com

For Immediate Release: 10/26/2012

The Dare County Department of Public Health is issuing public health advisories prior to Hurricane Sandy. In order to protect your health, it is important that you follow these public health guidelines:

If Flooding Occurs:

• Avoid contact with flood water which may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems and other hidden hazards such as debris.
• Do not walk in or play in flooded areas especially in bare feet or flimsy footwear. You may be at risk for possible infection or injury from flood waters. If you do come into contact with flood water, wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and safe water.
• Do not allow children to play in flood water areas, wash children's hands frequently, and do not allow children to play with flood-water contaminated toys that have not been disinfected.

If Food Becomes Exposed to Flood Waters:

• Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
• Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water.

If Power Loss Occurs:

• Refrigerators will keep foods appropriately cold for about 4 hours without power if it is unopened.
• Do not open freezers until you plan to use or discard the contents; as stated above, most freezers will keep food safe for 24 to 48 hours if left closed.
• Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

If you rely on a Private Well:

Boil water for at least five minutes at a full rolling boil before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice or brushing teeth

Infants under six months and pregnant women should not drink boiled water, because boiling water may concentrate harmful nitrates.

Continue to use bottled water or to boil your well-water until tests on samples taken since the last flooding or loss of electricity show the water is safe.

If you have a Septic System:

Assess your system after the storm

If property is flooded, do not use

Use water conservation practices until power is fully restored

If your home is Flooded:

Assure it is safe to enter

Remove mold and mildew

Dry out the walls

Check heating and Air conditioning

Assure the building is dry before repairing

For more detailed information, please visit http://www.darenc.com/health/newspubs.asp or contact the Dare County Department of Public Health at 475-5003 or 475-5080.