Tips from the Oklahoma City-County Health Department

1:09 p.m. Wednesday

As neighborhoods begin to clean-up from the recent tornado, the Oklahoma City-County Health Department wants to remind the public of a few precautions that should be taken:

1. Stay away from surfacing sewage and liquids of unknown origin. These can be a source of numerous harmful bacteria. If you do come into contact with unknown liquids, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water, especially before eating.

2. Keep children away from debris. Children should not play on, in or around the debris area. We recommend that children be left at a safe place and not be brought to the debris area.

3. Use extreme caution when sorting through debris. Cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds caused by nails, glass, wood and other materials could result. Also, many everyday household chemicals are hazardous materials (bleach, ammonia, etc.).

4. Wear protective clothing if available. Gloves and hard-soled shoes are especially recommended. 5. In general, all food should be discarded if unrefrigerated over four hours.

6. Be aware that rodent and wild animal harborage (skunks, opossum, etc.) may have occurred in some areas. These animals must be avoided.

7. Clothing and soft items recovered should be washed immediately and/or dry-cleaned.

8. Hard items (furniture, dishes, utensils, etc.) should be cleaned and sanitized.

9. Toys should be cleaned and sanitized before use.

For more information on this and other programs offered by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, visit the web site at www.cchdoc.com.

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