Contact:
Public Information Office
(603) 271-4051
Twitter: NHDHHSPIO
Publish Date:
September 1, 2011
Concord, NH - The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Division of Public Health Services, reminds all Granite Staters that while some people remain without power and because of flooding in the State it is important to continue to be vigilant about prevention of illness and injury.
Food Safety in Restaurants
Some food establishments have been without power at some point because of the storm. Food establishments are reminded that they should cease operation and contact the Food Protection Section when they have experienced a disruption of water service or interruption of electrical service for longer than 2 hours, have a contaminated water supply or failed sewer system, or experience flooding in the establishment or any other event that could result in contamination of the establishment or the food supply. The Food Protection Section will approve the resumption of operations when an imminent health threat no longer exists or when the establishment has offered a plan to mitigate all threats to health and safety. Retail establishments with questions about safe food handling during a power outage or flood can get a copy of the Emergency Action Plan at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/fp/documents/emergency/pdf. Consumers or establishments can reach the Food Protection Section at 603-271-4589.
Well Water Safety
If you have a private well that was flooded because of Tropical Storm Irene, it needs to be tested and disinfected before it is safe to use the water again. Heavy precipitation tends to mobilize bacteria and thus highlight conditions of poor well construction. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) urges all private well owners whose well has been flooded to boil their water for drinking and to have their well water quality tested after the floodwaters have receded. Make sure your drinking water is safe by disinfecting and testing your wells after the floodwaters recede:
• To request a test container from the DES Laboratory (www2.des.nh.gov/OneStop/Homeowner_Container_Request.asp), please contact 271-3445.
• For information on disinfection of private wells, please go to Disinfecting A Private Well (DES Fact Sheet; http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/dwgb/documents/dwgb-4-11.pdf).
West Nile Virus and EEE
Mosquitoes need standing water to breed and flood waters can provide the perfect habitat.
Infected mosquitoes can spread West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) to people by biting them. Residents are asked to be sure to eliminate standing water left over from rain or flooding on their property, such as in tires, flowerpots, bird baths, and gutters. Also be sure to wear an insect repellent used according to manufacturer’s directions if you are outside and mosquitoes are biting. WNV/EEE season lasts until at least the first hard frost across the State.
Asthma and Mold
The recent impact of tropical storm Irene has left many homes with water related damage that can have an impact on health. Flooding can affect asthma and other respiratory diseases. The resultant moisture, dampness and mold in homes and other private and public buildings can result in poor indoor air quality and may make asthma and other respiratory illnesses worse. For more information visit: www.epa.gov/iaq/flood/, www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/index.shtm,
www.epa.gov/iedmold1/moldguide.html and http://nchh.org/Portals/0/Contents/FloodCleanupGuide_screen_.pdf . For more information related to Tropical Storm Irene visit www.nh.gov/readynh. For FEMA Disaster Assistance call 1-800-621-3362. For general flood insurance questions call the NH Insurance Department at 1-800-852-3416. To report damage call 211.
