Due to the potential effects on water quality related to Hurricane Sally, the Florida Department of Health in Okaloosa County (DOH-Okaloosa) has issued a county wide precautionary swim advisory for all public beaches. At this time, swimming is not recommended.
Tests will be conducted, when possible, to determine the water quality at public beach locations, according to a press release.
The Health Department says that until test results are available, residents should “assume that water contact may pose an increased risk of disease or illness, particularly for susceptible individuals.”
Additionally, residents are urged to avoid contact with floodwaters which come from an overflow of any water body from rivers, lakes, or oceans. Floodwater may contain fecal matter from sewage systems, agricultural and industrial waste, and septic tanks. Floodwaters can also mask debris, downed power lines, and other hazards.
DOH recommends the following precautions after hurricanes.
- Follow basic hygiene during this emergency period. Always wash your hands with soap and water which has either been boiled or disinfected before eating and after toilet use.
- Do not allow children to play in floodwater. They can be exposed to water contaminated with fecal matter.
- Do not allow children to play with toys that have been in floodwater until the toys have been disinfected. Use 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water to disinfect toys and other items.
- If you have open cuts or sores exposed to the floodwater, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and disinfected or boiled then cooled water. Apply antibiotic cream to reduce the risk of infection. If a wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage, see a physician.
- After helping in cleanup activities and after handling items contaminated by floodwater or sewage, wash hands with soap and water.
