As Tropical Storm Debby moves out of our area, the Coastal Health District urges residents to use caution during the cleanup and recovery period. Floodwater and power outages can bring health hazards even after the storm ends.
Food Safety
Many residents lost power during the storm and may be unsure if refrigerated food is still safe. They can follow this simple rule: When in doubt, throw it out.
Once power is off, the refrigerator keeps food at safely cold temperatures for 4 hours, while food in a freezer remains safe for approximately 8 hours. If your power is off longer, your food is not safe to eat and should be discarded.
Do not consume anything that floodwater may have touched. Floodwater can carry disease-causing organisms.
For more information on food safety after a storm, please visit Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods | FDA and Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency | CDC.
Avoid Floodwater
- Always follow warnings about flooded roads.
- Don’t drive through floodwater – it may be deeper than you think.
- Keep in mind that floodwater often carries germs. If you touch it, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water. If you don’t have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.
- Do not allow children to play in any free-flowing, run-off, or floodwater. This water can be contaminated with bacteria or chemicals. Floodwater often carries organisms that can cause infections if they get into cuts or scrapes.
Protect Yourself from Pests
- Standing water can bring mosquitoes that carry disease. To avoid mosquito bites when outdoors, use insect repellent with DEET or Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Follow label directions.
- Wear long sleeves, pants and socks when you’re outside.
- Tip ‘n Toss containers that hold water to eliminate breeding locations for mosquitoes and prevent the spread of illness. Tip out standing water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, wading pools and buckets.
Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Never use a generator inside your home or garage, even if doors and windows are open.
- Only use generators outside, more than 20 feet away from your home, doors and windows.
- Install battery-operated or battery backup carbon monoxide detectors near every sleeping area in your home.
After residents have ensured their own household’s health and safety, we encourage everyone to check on their neighbors, especially those who may be elderly or have special needs.
For more information to help protect yourself and your loved ones following a storm, please visit Safety Guidelines: After a Hurricane or Other Tropical Storm | CDC.
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