A Message on Protecting Your Health After the Storm 

ST. AUGUSTINE, FL - As St. Johns County residents, businesses, and visitors continue to clean and repair storm damaged homes, buildings and properties, the DOH-St. Johns County Health Department urges residents and visitors to take precautionary measures to avoid health risks and personal injury from storm-related debris and water-damage related mold.

Avoid Personal Injury Associated with Storm Debris:  After the storm, cleanup can be a very dangerous time particularly with large debris and unstable structures. Stay clear of areas littered with debris. While making repairs, you can be seriously injured using power tools, climbing ladders and working on roofs. If you are not experienced using power tools, like chain saws, or comfortable using ladders or working at heights, ask for help from professionals. If you are going to make repairs, have someone help you and always pace yourself. Remember the following to avoid injury:

• Clean up debris carefully to avoid injury and contamination.
• Avoid contact with downed power lines.
• Wear gloves and lift heavy debris by bending knees and using legs.
• Wear appropriate shoes to avoid injury to the feet from glass, nails or other sharp objects.
• Chainsaws should only be operated in safe conditions (not in water soaked areas) and by people who are experienced in proper use.
• Be alert to wildlife (snakes, alligators, etc.) that may have been displaced as a result of the flood or storm. If you see a snake or other wildlife, back away from it slowly and do not touch it. If the snake is in your home, immediately call the St. Johns County Animal Control.

Avoid Health Risks Associated with Water-damage Related Mold:  Moisture that enters buildings from leaks or flooding accelerates mold growth. Molds can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the storm. Failure to control moisture and mold can present short and long-term health risks. Remember the following to protect your health:

• Remove standing water from your home or business.
• Remove wet materials.
• If mold growth has already occurred, carefully remove or clean the moldy material.
• Consider using personal protective equipment when cleaning or removing mold – gloves and goggles.Â
• Individuals with known mold allergies or asthma should not clean or remove moldy materials.
• Never mix cleaners and disinfectants, as hazardous gases may produce hazardous chemical reactions. Read and follow label instructions carefully. Open windows and doors to provide plenty of fresh air.
• If you choose to hire a contractor to conduct the indoor mold cleanup, consider hiring a contractor licensed by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Licensure for Mold Assessors or Mold Remediators can be verified through DBPR via the following link: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/.

For more information about indoor air quality and mold growth, contact Florida Department of Health at (850) 245-4288 or visit the following webpage: www.FloridaHealth.gov/indoorair.

About the Florida Department of Health - The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

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