Media Release

Contact: Kelly Nettnin 252.475.5036 kellyn@darenc.com

For Immediate Release: 10/30/2012

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

Food 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

Food Safety after Power Loss:

• 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 has been 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

If you have a Food Service Business that has been Flooded:

• All flooded food, including sealed and open packages, boxes, cans, produce and fresh meats must be discarded to avoid food borne illness or injury
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize all salvageable equipment
• Discard equipment that is damaged and cannot be repaired to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards or includes flood damaged wood, particle board or plastic laminate components
• Walk in coolers in a flooded food service facility needs to be reviewed on a case by case basis
• Some furnishings and fixtures will need to be discarded if they have been in contact with flood water.

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.