Additional information (including consent forms)
Additional information (including consent forms)
Panama City, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in Bay County (DOH-Bay) is providing the following simple recommendations that can help prevent illnesses during and after flooding that may be caused by heavy rainfall events. The National Weather Services is forecasting heavy rains for Bay County in the next several days. Precautions should be taken, especially for people on septic systems or who have private wells that provide their drinking water.
“Serious health risks can be attributed to contaminated flood waters. Harmful bacteria and parasites can be in the flood waters and can cause illness or infections if ingested or are allowed to get into an open wound. I ask all residents to take these precautions to minimize any harmful effects of flooding,” said Sandon S. Speedling, MHS, CPM, CPH, Administrator and Health Officer, DOH-Bay.
Private well owners whose drinking water wells are affected by flood waters should take precautions against disease-causing organisms that may make their water unsafe to drink.
Use one of the following methods if your property near your well is flooded:
http://www.floridahealth.gov/healthy-environments/private-well-testing/index.html; and
Continue to use bottled/boiled/disinfected water until lab tests confirm that it is safe.
During periods of heavy rain, you may be experiencing difficulties with your sewage system not functioning properly.
What should I do if sewage backs up?
About the Florida Department of Health
The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
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