For Release: IMMEDIATE
Date: September 1, 2006

N.C. Public Health Director Urges Caution with Floodwaters and Debris

RALEIGH – As Tropical Storm Ernesto finishes its move across North Carolina, the State Health Director is urging particular caution to prevent injuries in regard to potential floodwaters and storm debris.

“Ernesto has already dumped up to 12 inches of rain in southeastern North Carolina and forecasters are predicting that up to four to eight inches of rain are possible in the northeast part of the state before the storm passes our border,” said State Health Director Dr. Leah Devlin. “People in low-lying areas or other places prone to flooding need to take precautions.”

“Stay off of flooded roads,” she added. “Almost half of the deaths experienced during Hurricane Floyd were the result of people driving into flooded roads. Don’t take a chance with you or your family’s life. The best advice is ‘turn around, don’t drown’.”

Dr. Devlin also advised that adults closely supervise children during the aftermath of the storm. “Do not allow them to play in or explore damaged or flooded areas, and especially keep chemicals used for cleaning and disinfecting, fuel for generators, and pest-control substances out of reach of children.”

Dr. Devlin also urges everyone to take extra precautions in handling or removing storm debris.

“Wear sturdy shoes or boots and protective clothing such as heavy pants, long sleeves and gloves when cleaning up debris. Use an insect repellent containing DEET to reduce chances of mosquito bites and to reduce risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis,” she said.

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