Mosquitoes and Insects
Mosquitoes, in addition to being a nuisance, can carry diseases such as the West Nile Virus or arboviruses. These viruses can lead to swelling of the brain (encephalitis) or Colorado Tick Fever. Follow these guidelines to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

·         Remove all objects in the yard that may lead to the accumulation of standing water, which provides breeding areas for mosquitoes.

·         Report all swimming pools that have been neglected and are in a state of disrepair to the environmental section of your local health department.

·         Remember that mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk. Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants when you are outdoors. Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin, DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, because mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.

·         Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin, but cover all exposed areas. Be sure to read and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Food and Water Safety
Storms often leave homes without electricity when lightning strikes power lines or rain and heavy winds knock them down. Often, outages last only a short while, but it is not uncommon for homes to be left without electricity for several hours or even days. Similarly, heavy rains can lead to flooding. These events can present many obstacles, including ruining food and water supplies. Here's how to avoid getting sick when the power goes out or when flood waters start to rise:

·         Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature. Refrigerated food should stay cold for up to four hours, while the freezer will maintain the temperature for approximately 48 hours.

·         Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating.

·         For infants, if possible, use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water and use bottled water for concentrated or powdered formulas.

Health officials also warn about the dangers that arise as a result of flooding. Flood waters can carry bacteria and other organisms that can be harmful to your health. It's extremely important to protect your food and water supplies from flood waters. DPH recommends:

·         Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available. If you don't have bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe.

·         If boiling water isn't an option, disinfect with one-eighth (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach for each gallon of water, stir it well and let it stand for 30 minutes before you use it. Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water.

·         If a well has been flooded, water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If well contamination is suspected, contact the local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice.

·         Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. Discard any food that may have been exposed to flood water.

·         Inspect canned foods and discard any food in damaged cans.

·         Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes and utensils (including can openers) with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse, and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available).

·         Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse and then sanitize.