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Mississippi State Department of Health Warns of Safety After the Storm -March 31, 2022

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) continues to monitor the health impacts of recent severe weather. Significant power outages, home repairs, and flooding can create dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations, even days after the storms have ended.

Mississippi residents should take the following special precautions against health risks after the storm:

Food Safety: Preventing Food-Borne Diseases

Floodwater and Drinking Water Safety

Any loss or significant drop in your water pressure, even if it is brief, means that your water supply could be contaminated by groundwater. If you notice an interruption, loss of pressure, or significant drop in pressure in your water service, follow standard boil-water precautions below. If you are unsure of the safety of your water, contact your water supply operator.

Clearing Standing Water: Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illness

Heavy rains and flooding can lead to an increase in mosquitoes, and increase the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. To protect against mosquitoes, follow the 4 D’s for prevention:

Stagnant moisture can be an ideal source for mold growth. When airborne mold spores are present in large numbers, they can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections and other respiratory problems.

If mold is a problem in your home, clean, disinfect with bleach, dry the moldy area and then bag and dispose any material that has moldy residues, such as rags, paper, leaves or debris. Eliminate sources of moisture that encourage the growth of mold.

The MSDH neither regulates nor tests for mold. You should contact a commercial environmental consulting firm for services related to mold.

Cleanup of damage or debris can easily lead to cuts at risk of infection. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes or boots during cleanup work. Tetanus vaccination is recommended if it’s been 10 years or more since your last tetanus vaccination (Tdap is the recommended vaccine). In the event of a puncture wound or wound contaminated with floodwater, individuals should consult a healthcare provider.

Gasoline-powered generators can produce dangerous carbon monoxide gas, as can burning any fuel for cooking or heating indoors. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is highly poisonous. Take the following precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

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