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Naperville
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Residents Should Use Caution Around Floodwaters

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DuPage County Report

Recent heavy rains caused flooding in areas of DuPage County and the Health Department is cautioning residents to try to avoid flood water because it may be contaminated.

Executive Director Karen Ayala says, “It’s important to protect yourself and your family because floodwater may look harmless, but could be a mixture of many things.”

The ground is saturated in many areas which can cause septic systems to fail, and waste water to mix with surface and ground water. Floodwaters can contain bacteria, fecal material, viruses, and other organisms that may cause disease.

If you will be cleaning, volunteering, or around floodwaters for any reason, take precautions to avoid injury and possible infections:

  • Wear protective clothing, gloves, long pants, long sleeves and boots if you must be around floodwater to clean or volunteer.
  • If you have a cut or injury where the skin is broken and has been exposed to flood water, contact your health care provider about the need for a tetanus shot or other treatment.
  • Be sure to apply insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors to protect against mosquitoes and ticks.
  • See your doctor if you have a fever or rash after a tick bite.

For more information call the DuPage County Health Department at (630) 682-7400.

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PN Ombudsman
PN Ombudsman
An ombudsman is Scandinavian in origin dating back to Viking times; and refers to a community representative; usually acting independently on behalf of an organization, body of elected officials, or civic group. Thanks Scandinavia for inventing ombudsman.

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