Grab GAR RSS FeedIf you live in a house or apartment in Richmond, VA, the Virginia Department of Health urges residents to take precautions as they work to recover from Hurricane Irene.
Hurricanes, especially if accompanied by a tidal surge or flooding, can contaminate the public water supply or residential wells. Contaminated drinking water or unrefrigerated foods may cause illness.
- Dispose perishable foods that have been without refrigeration for more than two hours. Fish, poultry, meat, eggs, milk and other dairy products, and leftovers are especially high risk. When in doubt, throw it out.
- When power returns, inspect the food in your freezer. If there are still ice crystals in the package it is probably safe to refreeze. Use a thermometer to check the temperature and if your freezer remained under 40 F, the food is probably safe to refreeze. Otherwise, it is probably not safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
- If you have medication that requires refrigeration but you lost power, check with the pharmacy on the label. A pharmacist can advise you if it can still be used.
- Empty outdoor containers, tarps and other items around your home or apartment which create breeding sites for mosquitoes. Use repellant when outside.
- Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas. Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with floodwater-contaminated toys that have not been disinfected. You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water.
- Avoid using candles, especially around small children. Use battery-powered lamps and flashlights.
- Isle of Wight County: Rushmere Subdivision and Carrsville
- Hanover County: Spring Meadows and Meadow Gate
- King George County: Presidential Lakes Section 14
- Greensville County Water and Sewer Authority: Jarratt
- Southampton County: Drewryville
