By LISA DAVIS
Staff Writer
ldavis@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON - - The Ashtabula County Health Department has issued a few recommendations for residents in regards to the recent flooding that took place in the county.
Ashtabula County Health Commissioner Raymond Saporito said there are steps resident can take to control mosquitos and minimize exposure to mold . Resident who have water wells that were under water because of flood waters should have their wells tested for bacteria, he said.
Residents should take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illness such as West Nile Virus, Saporito said. The key to preventing mosquito problems is to eliminate standing water on a property.
Residents can eliminate mosquito breeding sites near their homes by: Removing all discarded tires and other water-holding containers such as tin cans and unused flower pots; make sure all roof gutters are clean and drain properly; clea and chlorinate pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs ly; empty all plastic wading pools and store indoors or upside down; empty out all stagnant water that has collected in structures that can hold water such as buckets, pails and barrels; keep boats covered; change water in pet dishes regularly; fill in holes or low areas of yard with dirt; use soil or cement to plug holes in trees where water can collect.
Residents also can avoid infection from mosquito bites by avoiding outdoor activities between dusk and dawn; we long pants, long-sleeved shirts, shoes and socks; using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil and follow label directions.
Those residents who experienced significant flooding in their homes can take steps to protect themselves against mold. During any cleanup activities only those individuals doing the cleanup should be in the home.
Also during all cleanup an individual should wear tight fitting N95 face mask and goggles, which can be found at any larger home and hardware stores. Rubber or vinyl glovers are important as is waterproof boots. For ventilation and drying purposes open all windows during the cleaning process.
During the cleanup of the mold pump basement dry of water and clean out debris, remove and discard carpets, rugs, furniture, and any other items that were in water if not thoroughly dried within 24 hours. Any soiled curtains, clothes, linens or other items that can be laundered should be removed and cleaned.
Any other contaminated items should be discarded or disinfected for at least 15 minutes with one cup of laundry bleach per gallon of water. This also includes floors, walls and any other surface contacted by the flood water.
Dark stained ceiling tiles or wall board should be removed and replaced. All accumulated residue should be removed from the area including corners, edges of floors, under and around fixtures, including pipes, heating ducts and ceilings. Material should be lightly wetted to minimize dust and replace furnace filter and vacuum cleaner bags. d.
Residents in the Ashtabula County General Health District, who experience severe flooding, may obtain bacteria water testing from the Ashtabula County Health Department by contacting the department at 576-6010 between 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For a limited time, the county health department will collect and test water wells that were recently flooded or nearly flooded at no charge. For further information or questions contact the Ashtabula County Health Department.
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