Many parts of Bremer County have experienced extensive flooding.  If you find yourself affected by flood waters, be sure to keep your health and safety as your number one priority as you begin the clean-up.   Below are helpful fact sheets to help you manage flood clean-up and health and safety concerns.  If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact the Bremer County Health Department at 319-352-0082 or 319-415-5623.

Clean-up After a Flood
Below are some materials to help guide you through your clean-up process after a flood and other important information to keep in mind.

Wells and Sewage Systems
Before you begin flood clean-up or the shock chlorination process, make sure you are dressed in appropriate safety clothing and equipment.  Wear goggles to avoid contact with eyes, a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands and rubber boots, as well as a waterproof suit, coveralls or a full-length apron.  These are recommended procedures and guidelines only.  If you are not comfortable performing this procedure personally, please contact a licensed contractor to shock chlorinate your well for you.  Bremer County Building and Zoning can also be contacted for additional information at 319-352-0332.

Tetanus Vaccinations
If you become injured during flood clean-up, contact your health care provider for wound care and to determine if a tetanus-containing vaccination is needed.  If a tetanus-containing vaccination is recommended, the Bremer County Health Department does offer Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) vaccine to the public for a $35 charge.

Boil Water Advisories
During a “boil water advisory”, tap water is not safe for drinking and must be boiled.  Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Boil Water Fact Sheet (Residential)

Stay Out of Flood Waters
It's advisable to stay out of flood waters.

1. Assume water is contaminated with sewage and chemicals.
2. Hidden hazards exist such as submerged glass, metal fragments, open manholes, storm drains and downed power lines.
3. Water is fast moving creating drowning risk. Even shallow standing water is dangerous

Stress Management
During a disaster, such as a flood, stress levels can be at an all-time high. Here are some frequently asked questions about coping with stress after a disaster.

Coping with Stress After a Disaster

Flood Links
Iowa Department of Public Health: Flood Related Precautions and Information
http://idph.iowa.gov/flooding

Other Helpful Links
https://dia.iowa.gov/food-consumer-safety/food-safety
https://www.epa.gov/privatewells/what-do-your-private-well-after-flood

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Clean up After a Flood14 documents

• Animal Hazards After a Natural Disaster
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• Rodent Control After a Disaster
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• Mosquito Bite Prevention
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• Cleaning Basements After a Flood
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• Cleaning and Disinfecting After a Flood
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• Deciding What to Salvage
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• Fact Sheet for Restaurants After Flooding Occurs
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• Flood Contaminated Foods
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• Flooding and Childcare
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• Hand Hygiene and Gloves for Flooding
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• In an Emergency Discard or Salvage
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• Mold Fact Sheet
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• Carbon Monoxide
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• Re-entering Your Flooded Home
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Wells and Sewage Systems3 documents

• Flooding and Private Sewage Systems
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• Shock Chlorination of Wells
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• Shock Chlorinating Small Water Systems
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Tetanus Vaccinations3 documents

• Immunization Flooding Fact Sheet
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• Tdap What You Need to Know
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• Tetanus Fact Sheet
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