After Hurricane Idalia: Safe cleanup, emergency prescription refills, avoiding mold and more
Idalia left a trail of destruction after it made landfall Wednesday along Florida's Big Bend.
The storm made landfall at 7:45 a.m. near Keaton Beach as a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.
More than 200,000 people in Florida were left without electricity Wednesday.
Idalia's landfall caused tide levels to surge in Cedar Key and surrounding areas. The Steinhatchee River showed levels well above flood stage and thousands around the state are now dealing with flood waters.
Here's a guide to useful information provided by the Florida Department of Health as residents begin the road to recovery.
Florida assistance information line
The State Assistance Information Line at 800-342-3557 can provide additional resources for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding emergencies.
Is there a boil water notice in your area?
The Florida Department of Health updates a list of areas where boil water notices are in effect.
What to do if a boil water notice has been issued
Boil it: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute.
If you can't boil it: Add 1/8 teaspoon or 8 drops of unscented household liquid bleach to 1 gallon of water. Mix well and wait 30 minutes or more before drinking.
Get early prescription refills under certain conditions
All health insurers, managed care organizations, and other health entities must fill early prescription requests in the event the governor declares a state of emergency, to comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes.
This mandate remains in effect until the governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires.
Executive order 23-171 says it will expire 60 days from the day it was signed Aug. 26, 2023, unless it's further extended.
What counties are under a state of emergency?
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency exists in the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hemando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties.
How to stay safe as you clean up after a storm
Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves to protect against illness.
Do not mix household cleaners and disinfectants, such as bleach and ammonia.
Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and other household surfaces must be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach per 5 gallons of water.
Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wall coverings, furniture, and rugs. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water. Drywall and insulation that were exposed to water should be thrown away.
Any items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours should be discarded.
Chainsaws should only be operated under safe conditions, and by licensed professionals. If you've never used one, now is not the time to learn.
Carbon monoxide safety: Stay safe if using a generator
Portable generators produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that can be deadly.
Do not use a generator in your garage. Use all gas-powered or charcoal-burning equipment outside and at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, vents, and air intakes.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 or the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Looking to buy a generator? From types to cost, here are 7 things you should know
Electrical hazards after a storm
Always assume all overhead wires are energized, or “live,” and at lethal voltages.
Never touch a fallen power line.
Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that got wet to ensure that no water remains within the unit.
Power outage tracker: Find out how widespread outages are at any given time
Staying safe in flood waters after a storm
Don't drive in flooded areas.
Flood waters can be contaminated with bacteria and viruses. Avoid skin contact with flood waters especially if you have open cuts and wounds. Make sure to wash well with soap and clean water to prevent infection.
Avoid eating, drinking or touching anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
If you are unsure if your tap water is safe, boil or disinfect it.
Food safety: Use precautions to keep food safe
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration offered the following food safety suggestions to follow after a storm:
Once power is restored, check the temperature inside your refrigerator and freezer. You can safely eat or refreeze food in the freezer if it is below 40 degrees.
If your freezer does not include a thermometer, then check the temperature of each food item. If the item still contains ice crystals or is at or below 40 degrees, you can safely refreeze it.
Discard any perishable food — for example, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk — that has been in a refrigerator or freezer at or above 40 degrees for more than two hours.
When in doubt, throw it out.
Power still out from Hurricane Idalia? You can grill these frozen foods during a power outage
Mold? Here's how to keep safe as you dry out and clean up after a storm
Moisture that enters buildings from leaks or flooding accelerates the growth of mold.
Mold can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the storm. As you clean up, wear personal protective equipment such as N-95 masks, goggles, protective gloves, and rubber boots.
Here's what you should do:
Take it out: Anything that got wet and can’t be cleaned and dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be taken outside for waste removal.
Air it out: Open all doors and windows as you're removing items or cleaning surfaces.
Drying it out: When you have power, use fans and dehumidifiers to help remove moisture indoors. Dry your home within 24 to 48 hours, if possible.
Scrub surfaces: Clean with water and detergent. Remove all mold you can see. Dry right away.
Don't paint or caulk over mold; it'll still grow.
People with suppressed or impaired immune systems, mold allergies, asthma, or other chronic lung disease should not clean or remove moldy materials.
After the flood: Did your home or car get flooded from Hurricane Idalia? Here's what to do now
Private wells in flooded areas, what you should know
If your well is affected by flood waters, there may be disease-causing organisms in your water making it unsafe to drink. The Florida Department of Health recommends you do one of the following:
Boil tap water and hold it at a rolling boil for at least one minute.
Disinfect tap water by adding eight drops of plain, unscented household bleach per gallon of water. Mix the solution and let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure one more time. If still cloudy after the second treatment, dispose of water and start the process over again, or use bottled water.
Use commercially available bottled water.
After flooding: Learn about testing your well water. You can also have your water tested by a certified laboratory for coliform bacteria.
What you should know about septic tanks and sewer systems under flood conditions
If you have a septic tank at your home and your plumbing is slow or sluggish:
Minimize water use.
Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high water tables might cause the surrounding area to cave into a septic tank.
Consider renting a portable waste receptacle.
Do not have the septic tank or drainfield repaired until the flood water has receded.
Flooding and electrical outages can impact sewer systems.
While pump stations and sewage treatment plants are out of power, avoid adding additional water to sewer lines.
Report any sewage spills.
If sewage backs up into your house, wear foot coverings, such as rubber boots, and waterproof gloves during cleanup.
Thoroughly clean walls and floors, countertops, refrigerators, and surfaces.
Tetanus is serious bacterial infection
Everyone cleaning up after a storm should make sure their tetanus vaccination is current. Adults need a booster shot every 10 years to maintain protection. Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that can affect your ability to breathe and may be life-threatening.
If you sustain a wound or deep cut, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Clean wounds with soap, disinfectant, or bottled water.
Vibrio vulnificus may be present in flood waters
Commonly nicknamed the "flesh-eating" bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus can be found in raw or undercooked seafood, saltwater, and brackish water. These bacteria typically grow faster during warmer months and flooding may increase bacteria levels.
Vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe life-threatening illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and skin lesions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or wound infections, seek medical attention immediately.
Injured while cleaning up after a storm? Here's what to do
The risk for injury is increased during and after a natural disaster. Floodwaters and standing waters pose several risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, if possible.
Avoid touching the wound with your fingers while treating it. If possible, use disposable gloves.
Remove obstructive jewelry and clothing from the injured body part.
Apply direct pressure to any bleeding wound to control bleeding.
Clean the wound after bleeding has stopped.
Check the wound for dirt and foreign objects.
Gently flood the wound with bottled water or clean running water (if available, saline solution is preferred).
Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water.
Pat dry and apply an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth.
Leave unclean wounds, bites, and punctures open. Wounds that are not cleaned correctly can trap bacteria and result in infection.
Provide pain relievers when possible.
Monitor the wound every 24 hours for signs of infection. Seek medical attention if you experience or see: redness, swelling, oozing, fever, increasing pain, shortness of breath, fast heart rate, confusion or disorientation, or high heart rate.
USA TODAY Network news coverage, public safety information all in one place
USA TODAY and USA TODAY Network sites across the Southeast are providing free news coverage, public safety information and resource guides for Tropical Storm Idalia.
Here's a list of more information about the storm and how to stay safe.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Hurricane Idalia cleanup begins. Safety tips from mold to tetanus
