The recent flooding has increased the health and safety risks for community residents. Public health officials have provided pecific recommendations for people to keep themselves and their families safe.

Terri Henkels, director of the Polk County Health Department in Des Moines, said, “Many people who have never had water in their basement have water in their basement. Many people who never thought they would have to evacuate, have had to leave their home. And they are not sure what they should do to stay safe.”

There is no guarantee that people who may have to evacuate their home will have a lot of advanced warning. Time will really be an issue. If an evacuation order is issued, whether voluntary or mandatory, people will need to act immediately. A home evacuation plan and shelter preparation checklist is available on the Polk County Health Department web page.

“Any delay could put you and your family at greater risk. Think about where you could go. Think about what you will need. Contact the health department if you have special health needs”, said Henkels.

Because it is difficult to know whether the water in your basement or on your property is contaminated or not, the assumption must be that it is contaminated. All residents should avoid entering any flood water without appropriate protective wear: rubber boots, gloves, N95 masks, etc. When it is safe to do so, remove all items that have water on them or in them so they can dry out before putting them back in the house. This will reduce the chances of mold developing.

“If you can’t remember when your last tetanus shot was and have been walking through floodwater, cleaning up flood debris, and have some scrapes and/or cuts then you should get a tetanus shot as soon as possible,” said Henkels.