- Written by Jennifer King
- Category: Public Service Announcements
For assistance with well-water, septic systems and mold issues related to floods in Gilmer and Pickens Counties, call Gilmer County Environmental Health at 706-635-6050 and Pickens County Environmental Health at 706-253-0900.
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- Written by Jennifer King, District Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator
- Category: Public Service Announcements
If you have dead animals on your property as the result of recent flooding, public health officials recommend that you do the following: If you know the animal owners, contact them and ask that the animals be picked up. If you do not know who owns them, you may bury dead animals on your property under at least two feet of cover and at least 200 feet away from any wells, springs, lakes and streams. Use rubber gloves when handling carcasses and wash your hands using a disinfectant soap. For more information, contact Danny Green with the Georgia Department of Agriculture at 770-535-5955.
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- Written by Jennifer King, District Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator
- Category: Public Service Announcements
For all persons involved in floodwater clean-up efforts, public health officials recommend that you make sure you are current on your Tetanus vaccine, which is contained in the Tdap shot (Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis).
Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria that affects the muscles and nerves. It enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts and puncture wounds. It can lead to “locking” of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus can be fatal.
A Tetanus shot is recommended every 10 years. Protection against tetanus is especially needed if you have worked or are working in flooded areas.
Please be sure to check your immunization history prior to asking for the vaccine, as you may already be protected. You may check with your medical provider, county public health department, workplace employee health service, etc.
For children under age 19, contact your child’s pediatrician.
Pregnant women can be protected against tetanus but should consult with their prenatal healthcare provider prior to receiving the vaccine.
Tetanus vaccine should not be administered to people who have had a severe reaction to the vaccine. This is very rare, and if you are not protected, working on this clean-up effort should be done with caution. The vaccine information sheet (VIS) provides complete information about the vaccine and is available when you get the vaccine.
For more information on tetanus and the Tdap vaccination, log onto CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/tetanus/ or contact your local public health department.
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- Written by Jennifer King, District Public Information Officer and Risk Communicator
- Category: Public Service Announcements
Public health officials are cautioning against swimming and other recreational water activities in Gilmer County’s Coosawattee, Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers and their tributaries. Flooding washed large amounts of manure, sewage and thousands of dead chickens into these waters. Fast flood waters will wash these contaminants downstream very quickly, but for now avoid activities that would put you into direct contact with these waters. Fishing and non-contact activities are not affected by this advisory.
Wells and springs that were covered by flood waters, even temporarily, should be considered contaminated and not used for drinking. Contact the Gilmer County Environmental Health Office for directions in disinfecting and testing your well water.
Mold will grow in almost any home materials that were flooded. Remove all wet materials such as sheetrock and allow wood studs to dry completely before replacing.
Throw out any foods that were touched by flood waters. It is not worth the risk.
Treat temporary pools left by flood waters for mosquito larvae using Mosquito Dunks available at any home supply or hardware store.
Click here for more details on our website on how to Prevent Potential Health Problems from Recent Flooding or go to Emergency Preparedness and Response information for Flood Water After A Disaster or Emergency from the CDC.
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