Saint Louis County, MO - (June 4, 2013) The Saint Louis County Department of Health is reminding residents that flood waters can contain raw sewage and other dangers and are considered a public health threat. The department is urging caution because of the forecast of potential flooding in the St. Louis area.
Flood waters and standing water can pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water can cause diarrheal disease.
To protect yourself and your family, the department is urging everyone to heed the following precautions:
* Do not allow children to play in flood water areas.
* Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water unless they have been disinfected.
* Practice good hygiene (hand washing) after contact with flood waters.
* Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals).
For more information about flood water safety, visit the following CDC website:
http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/cleanupwater.asp |
