Health & Safety Information Provided to Residents Affected by Floods

Fact sheets distributed on site, and via the district web site at http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 14, 2005

(Las Vegas, Nev., – January 14, 2005) – The Southern Nevada Health District continues to distribute information on health, safety and environmental issues to the areas most-heavily impacted by recent flood waters, including Mesquite and Overton. Fact sheets on the following subjects have been distributed: Water, food and personal safety; steps to safely reenter a flooded
home; steps to avoid illness and clean up after a flood; steps to avoid mold and mold exposure.

Flood waters may contain material from overflowing or ruptured sewage systems, as well as chemicals and industrial byproducts. Proper sanitation and hygiene are critical to avoiding illness. Flood victims and relief workers should wash their hands frequently with soap and water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use and after participating in flood cleanup or handling potentially contaminated articles. Simple skin contact with flood waters does not carry any significant risk of infectious disease; however, open cuts or sores need to be kept as clean as possible to avoid infection.

Food and drink products potentially contaminated should be discarded. Additionally, food stored in a refrigerator or freezer that has been without power for a long period should be thrown away.

Parents need to help children avoid waterborne illness. Children should not be allowed to play in flood waters or with potentially-contaminated toys. In addition, children’s hands should be washed frequently, particularly before meals.

For additional information and copies of related fact sheets, visit the health district web site at http://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org.

Visit the Media Contacts webpage for media related inquiries.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.