Although the storms have passed and flood waters are receding, there are still health concerns to be aware of as we work on recovery efforts. The following fact sheets give important information on avoiding health and safety hazards from contaminated drinking water to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Safety during power outages

• Food Safety.  Except for canned foods, any food that has been contaminated by flood water should be thrown away. For more information, see keeping food safe without power.  

  USE CAUTION WITH GENERATORS AND GRILLS
  Reproduced with permission from Public Health - Seattle & King County

• Using a generator safely
  (also available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese)

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Fact Sheet- Illustrated version  (Also available in

  Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese)

  • Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Monoxide - More details on carbon monoxide poisoning from the Department of Health's Indoor Air Quality program.

  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Fact sheet available in 11 languages. [Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).]

Safe drinking water

• Safe drinking water in emergencies
  (also available in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese)

Cleaning up after a flood

• Frequently asked questions about mold

• Cleaning up after floods (also available in Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese)

• Dead Livestock and Animals  
  Information about disposing bodies of dead animals after an emergency.

Immunizations and vaccinations

If you are in a flooded area it is recommended you get a tetanus vaccination if you have not had one within the last ten years. Consult your health care provider.

If you have received a cut or wound, you may want to contact a health care provider to see if you need to be vaccinated before the 10 year period is up.

It is also recommended that anyone over age six months receive an influenza vaccine, especially for those living in group settings.

Hepatitis B vaccinations are not recommended except for:

• emergency relief workers;

• those providing direct patient care;

• those who have regular contact with other people's bodily fluids.

Hepatitis A vaccine is not recommended because the virus is rare in Washington.

It is important that anyone exposed to flood waters immediately wash their hands and avoid touching their eyes, mouth and nose. For more information, visit our Immunization Program.
 

Shellfish Safety

The Department of Health has closed numerous commercial shellfish growing areas until the water quality is back to normal. DOH also recommends that recreational shellfish harvesters not dig oysters and clams for the next week.

Although many parts of Puget Sound and the coast are closed to the commercial harvest of shellfish, oysters and clams being served in restaurants are safe to eat.

For more information about the closure of shellfish areas, visit our Shellfish Program.
 

Other information

• Road, traffic and weather conditions. Washington State Department of Transportation offers information on the current condition of weather, traffic, mountain passes and alternate routes.
• Severe weather tips. Our page on tips about preparing for and staying safe during sever weather.
• Audio Resources - The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a variety of recorded public service announcements in English and Spanish. Topics include carbon monoxide, children and flood water, mold and other information related to natural disasters.