- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Media Releases
By Andrea Martin, Environmental Health Manager, Gilmer County Health Department
As flood waters in this area recede and the most immediate safety hazards pass, it will be time to address the secondary health issues that can develop as the result of floodwater pollutants.
Be sure to protect your home, family and business by following these easy guidelines from Gilmer County Environmental Health.
CONTACT WITH FLOOD WATERS - Swimming and similar recreational water activities are not advised at this time. Flood waters contain large amounts of contaminants of all kinds. These fast flood waters will carry these contaminants downstream quickly, but for now do not have contact with flood waters. Fishing and other non-contact activities are not affected by this advisory.
SANITIZING FLOODED AREAS – Floors, walls, equipment and furniture that have been covered with flood waters should be cleaned and sanitized to kill any disease bacteria or viruses. Flood waters usually have sewage from over-running sewers and septic systems, manure and other contaminants. Wear gloves, eye protection and boots when working with 
contaminated areas and items. An easy sanitizing solution is made from a quarter cup of household bleach and one gallon of water. Items should be cleaned with soap and water, rinsed and then sanitized with the bleach solution. This will kill any disease germs and help prevent mold. Do not mix bleach with any ammonia product and work in well-ventilated areas.
MOLD – Other than physical destruction of homes and businesses, mold is the most long-lasting effect of flooding. Materials in homes become soaked with water. In most cases it is necessary to take out the wet sheetrock, carpet and insulation materials so that wood studs and supports can dry. Unfortunately the drying process can take many days or longer unless fans and heaters are used to speed the process. Unless the structural wood materials are completely dried, mold will grow behind the walls and under the floors. Nothing really replaces drying out the building. Do not replace sheet rock and other materials until the wood is dry or mold will grow. If mold is already growing where wet materials have been removed, spray the area with a household bleach solution made from a half cup of bleach (no more) and one gallon of water. Keep area vented and wear eye protection, gloves and boots. Remember, never mix bleach with any cleaner that contains ammonia – this will release chlorine gas and can kill. Gilmer County Environmental Health staff is available to answer questions about mold and to come view the affected area if further assistance with this problem is needed.
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- Written by Jennifer King
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Gilmer County Health Department is providing Free Walk-In Breast Exams and Mammogram Referrals, if needed, in their office at 28 Southside Church Street in Ellijay, on Friday, December 11th from 8 am to 12 pm! Women must be between the ages of 40-64 and have no insurance to qualify. Call 706-635-4363 for more information.
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Dalton, GA – North Georgia Health District’s Living Bridge Center and the Dalton State College Department of Social Work, School of Health Professions will present Recognizing World AIDS Day on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 10 A.M.
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- Avoiding close contact with sick people.
- Limiting contact with others while you’re sick to keep from infecting them.
- Staying home if sick with flu-like symptoms – such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny nose, fatigue or vomiting and/or diarrhea – for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the aid of medication.
- Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water, if available – if not available, then use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth – germs spread this way.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
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