There used to be a gravel road between the poles.
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On May 21, Governor Mike Parson declared a state of emergency in Missouri in response to severe weather and ongoing flooding. The Department of Health and Senior Services reminds Missourians to stay safe during cleanup of tornado and flood damage, as responding to damaged areas can pose serious health risks including issues such as:
- Downed or broken power lines caused by storms or in floodwater pose an electrocution hazard.
- Floodwater can contain raw sewage and pose other risks, including infectious diseases, hazardous chemical exposure, and debris that can cause injuries.
- Direct contact with floodwater can cause skin rashes, an infection of cuts or wounds or stomach illnesses including vomiting and diarrhea.
- Sharp objects and debris, such as glass or metal objects, may be lurking in debris from severe storms or in floodwater.
- Animals, insects, snakes and other reptiles that have been displaced due to storms or flooding may be submerged or hiding in debris in or near floodwaters.
When responding to severe weather or handling debris caused by severe weather or flooding, be sure to wear proper clothing and safety gear. And upon breaks or finishing work for the day exposed hands, feet and any other skin should be washed with clean soap and water. Clothing exposed to floodwater should be removed as soon as possible.
After working in or near debris or floodwaters, immediately wash any cuts or scrapes with soap and clean water, and monitor any cuts, scrapes or wounds for redness, swelling or drainage. Seek prompt medical attention if any of these symptoms develop.
Anyone involved with cleanup should have had a booster dose of tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine within the past 10 years. Contact your local health department or your primary care physician if you need a Td vaccine. If you get a deep cut or puncture wound, seek immediate medical attention and ask about a tetanus booster.
Additionally, recent historic flooding may have created an environment hospitable to mold in affected homes and other buildings. Structures damaged by severe weather and strong winds may also have been opened for rain water to enter, and can also create an environment for mold to grow. Proper cleanup is key to protecting health and preventing illness.
If mold is present, individuals with certain allergies may exhibit symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, upper respiratory irritation, cough and eye irritation. Additionally, exposure to excessive amounts of mold can cause an increase in the frequency or severity of asthma symptoms.
DHSS offers the following tips to clean mold safely and properly:
- Wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, a mask and goggles to protect your eyes, nose, mouth and skin.
- Throw away any items that were wet with rain water or flood water and couldn’t be cleaned and dried completely within 24-48 hours. Take photos of any items discarded for insurance purposes.
- Flood-related mold on non-porous surfaces should be cleaned with a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Use caution: do not breathe fumes and avoid contact with skin.