Gundersen Decorah Clinic offers health advice for those cleaning up flooding mess

Many Decorah area residents are now cleaning up water damage in their homes and on their property.  The Gundersen Decorah Clinic says homeowners should make sure the flood cleanup doesn't affect their health.

The clinic will administer tetanus boosters as needed.  If individuals have a regular health care provider and would like to know their tetanus status prior to working in flooded areas, they can check their immunization record in their "MyCare" account or they can contact their primary care provider.

Those who suffer an injury during flood clean up and have not had a tetanus booster within the last five years, they should have a health care provider administer a dose of tetanus as soon as possible--generally within 72 hours of the injury.

As a general rule, items flooded in indoor environments and wet for 48 to 72 hours should be removed and discarded. The type of water intrusion also plays a role, however.  Most flooding requires removal and discarding of wet materials. For information regarding flood clean up recommendations go to redcross.org or www.cdc.gov or call Great Rivers 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 or (800) 362-8255.

The safe availability of drinking water and food due to power outages are additional things to consider after a flood.  Contact the Winneshiek County Health Department if you are concerned about well water safety. (Bottled water should be used until the safety of the well can be established.) Individuals should properly discard any food items that have spoiled. As a general rule, if there is any doubt, throw the food out. For additional information on well water recommendations visit www.epa.gov/safewater.