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Residents Urged to Follow Flood Safety Posted 18 June 2008 Community Health of Jones County is administering tetanus shots from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 104 Broadway Place in Anamosa.  For information please contact Jones County Public Health at 319-462-6135 ext. 6203 or 319-361-5813. As a result of the severe flooding in the area, Jones Regional Medical Center and Jones County Emergency Management officials urge residents to practice flood safety.  Hospital staff are prepared to treat patients should flood related illnesses and injuries arise and give the following suggestions for prevention. Precautions: Be sure your tetanus shot is updated. Do not walk in flood waters.  You may risk drowning and water has sewage and other contaminants in it.  If you have any open cuts or sores that are exposed to flood water, keep them 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 attempt to drive through flooded streets. Avoid downed power lines. Stay tuned to local news organizations for important announcements, bulletins and instructions. Avoid sight-seeing or entering a storm-affected area unnecessarily It is critical for you to remember to practice basic hygiene during the emergency period.  If you have been ordered to boil water, always wash hands with soap and water that have been boiled or disinfected: before preparing or eating food after toilet use after participating in flood cleanup activities after handling articled contaminated with flood water or sewage When returning to a home that's been flooded, be aware that your house may be contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for your family.  Use caution and consult an electrician before attempting to dismantle or restore power.  Never turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.  Never operate a gasoline powered engine in your home, garage or any partially enclosed structures, even if windows or doors are open.  This can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Also after to retuning to a home that's been flooded, if you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the house and call the gas company or fire department immediately.  Do not attempt to move propane tanks after flooding as they present a danger of fire or explosion.  If you find one, contact your fire department.  (see the information from Aquila below) If you are in need of a tetanus shot and have insurance please contact your regular healthcare provider. If you do not have insurance, please contact Jones County Public Health at 319-462-6135 ext. 6203 or 319-361-5813. The criteria for a tetanus immunization follows:   •1.   If you have had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years you are fine. •2.  If it has been more than five years since your shot and you are in the flood waters with an injury or open wound, you can receive a booster shot. In this case, you have 48 to 72 hours to get your shot. Hepatitis A outbreaks have not been associated with floods and vaccination is not recommended. Hepatitis A is transmitted by consuming food or water that has been contaminated by feces.

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