Virginia Department of Health issues safety reminders as cleanup efforts continue following Tropical Depression Debby

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Tropical Depression Debby has moved out of Virginia’s Central region, prompting the reminder of safety as cleanup efforts continue.

Caroline County is receiving what one might call a double-impact, with a tornado hitting the area as Tropical Depression Debby swept through. Toppled trees, down power lines and debris scattered around homes and onto the roads could be seen last week.

The Virginia Department of Health is reminding residents of ‘Post Storm Cleanup’ safety tips, including ways to prevent diseases and injuries when recovering from storm damage.

Hand hygiene

The department said basic hygiene is important after a disaster period, therefore hands should be washed frequently with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs.

This is important when exercising basic necessities such as preparing or eating food, treating a cut or wound or putting in or taking out contact lenses.

How should you wash your hands?

The VDH provides these instructions for thorough hand washing:

• Use soap and warm running water, or boiled and cooled or disinfected water.
• Wash all surfaces thoroughly, including wrists, palms, back of hands, fingers and under fingernails.
• Rub hands together for at least 10 to 15 seconds and then rinse.
• Dry with a clean and/or disposable towel.
• Use the towel to turn off the water faucet.
• If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used.

Injury Prevention

Those needing to participate in cleanup efforts are reminded to wear protective gear to adhere to the safety of the eyes, ears and head.

Caution is to be used in the presence of electrical hazards. One should never touch a downed power line, enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground is wet, unless certain that the power is off.

Flood waters are said to potentially dislodge tanks, drums, pipes and equipment having them to contain hazardous materials such as pesticides or propane.

Folks who come across items like these are asked to either call their local fire department or hazardous materials team.

The use of any gasoline-powered devices, like pumps, generators or pressure washers, are to be only used outside and never brought inside.

The department said this will ensure safety from carbon monoxide poison which is odorless and colorless.

For a list of disease and injury prevention along with first aid information from the department, click here .

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