[Press Release] : Emergency Management preparing preliminary damage assessments for flash flood losses

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Contact: Office of Emergency Management - (573) 874-7400

Emergency Management preparing preliminary damage assessments for flash
flood losses 

COLUMBIA, MO (September 17, 2008) - The Columbia/Boone County Office of
Emergency Management is preparing preliminary damage assessments for
both Public Assistance (PA) and Individual Assistance (IA) for flash
flood losses occurring over the past weekend. 

Persons experiencing non-insured personal property or business losses
are encouraged to contact the Office of Emergency Management at (573)
874-7400 so they may be included in our county-wide damage assessments.
Disaster declarations are based on a county-wide dollar loss per capita
(2000 census) only after a state disaster declaration has been granted.
United Way 211 may also be contacted for processing information and
referrals. Major Matthews of the Columbia area office of the Salvation
Army will have “cleanup” supplies available for residential and
business cleaning of flooded structures. Call (573) 442-3229.

Columbia/Boone County Health Department has the following comments:
Standing Water - Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Residents
can reduce the number of mosquitoes in outdoor areas and remove prime
breeding ground by draining sources of standing water, including, but
not limited to: 
* flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool
covers, buckets, barrels, cans, discarded tires and other items that
could collect water;
* clogged rain gutters;
* containers or trash in places that may be hard to see, such as under
bushes or under your home.

Sanitation and Hygiene - Basic hygiene is critical when dealing with
flood cleanup. Always wash hands with soap and water that has been
boiled or disinfected:
* before preparing or eating food;
* after toilet use;
* after participating in flood cleanup activities; and
* after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.

Flood waters may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage
systems, and agricultural and industrial byproducts. If you have any
open cuts or sores that will be exposed to flood water, keep them as
clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a
wound develops redness, swelling or drainage, seek immediate medical
attention. Do not allow children to play in flood water areas and wash
children's hands frequently (always before meals).

Tetanus Vaccination - Persons with simple exposure to flood waters are
not at a high risk for tetanus. During flood cleanup, the risk of wounds
may be increased. For that reason, it’s important for citizens to be
up-to-date with tetanus vaccination prior to starting cleanup
activities. Adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.

For more information on ways to protect you and your family, please
visit www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

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