Several Yavapai County residents have experi­enced flooding due to the monsoon storms that moved into the area over the past few weeks.
Yavapai County’s Community Health Services and its Office of Emergency Management offers simple tips on how residents can stay safe and healthy during inclement weather.
“The floods this week will leave devastation behind them and people will want to clean up and repair their homes and communities as soon as possible so they can move forward with their lives and livelihoods. Some simple precautions can help protect their health as they do so,” Yavapai County Emergency Manager Ron Sauntman said.

Some tips to be safe during and after the storm:

• Injury Prevention: Stay out of flood waters. Even the strongest swim­mers can drown in flood waters. Do not drive through standing water. Never make contact with power lines or objects that are in contact with power lines. Wear eye protection when cleaning up storm debris.
• Water: Check for local boil-water advisories. Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, make ice or make baby formula.
• Well water: If your well has been affected by flood waters, it is recom­mended that you boil your water for at least one minute at a rolling boil, or purchase water from a safe source. Before resuming normal use of the well, have the water tested for possible bacteria and pollutants.
• Foods: Do not eat foods that have come in contact with flood waters. Throw away food that cannot be kept cold or properly heated due to lack of power.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Don’t use a generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or char­coal-burning device inside your home, basement or garage or near a window, door or vent. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, seek fresh air and consult with a health care professional right away.
• Home safety: If there is standing water in your home, never turn power on or off yourself. Instead, contact an electrician.
• First aid: Immediately clean all wounds with soap and clean water. If your skin or eyes come in contact with hazardous materials, wash thoroughly with decontaminated water. Avoid getting cut because cuts can lead to tetanus. If possible, make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date.
• Mold: Remove mold by washing with soap and water and letting surfaces dry completely. Some materials such as moldy clothing, ceiling tiles and sheet rock may have to be replaced. If mold-related illness is suspected, consult a health care professional.

Go to azdhs.gov/preparedness for more information about injury prevention, food safety, wells, drinking water and carbon monoxide during and after flooding.