Flood Assistance Unit Will Be In Mexico June 12

by Contributor | June 10, 2017 8:10 am

OSWEGO COUNTY – The state’s mobile command vehicle with Department of Financial Services and Department of Environmental Conservation personnel will provide flood assistance information to residents at the state Department of Transportation’s maintenance facility at 5846 Scenic Ave. (Route 3), Mexico on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Information about flood assistance and a variety of flood recovery resources are posted on the Oswego County flood assistance web page at  http://www.oswegocounty.com/legislature/flood%20assistance.html

Oswego County Public Health Director Jiancheng Huang reminds residents that Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is available at no cost to Oswego County residents who have been affected by the high water levels.

For an appointment to receive a tetanus vaccine, call the Health Department Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 315-349-3547.

The health department advises residents in flooded areas to avoid using water from private wells for drinking or cooking until it is determined to be safe for consumption.

After an initial assessment and any needed repairs, the well should be flushed and disinfected.

Free coliform bacteria sampling kits are available to flood victims.

Testing kits may be picked up at the department’s Environmental Health Division, 70 Bunner St., Oswego, or mailed upon request.

For more information about the testing process or to request a bacteria sampling kit, call the Environmental Health Division weekdays at (315) 349-3557 or email [email protected].

Residents are reminded to continue to take measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes and ticks.

When floodwaters recede, dispose of old tires and old appliances that can collect stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed.

Other steps people can take to protect themselves from mosquitoes are:

–          Use insect repellent properly. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are the most effective and should be used according to package instructions.

–          Certain other EPA-approved products containing permethrin can be used on clothing, shoes, bed netting and camping gear to repel and kill mosquitoes and a number of other pests such as ticks. Read the product label and use according to package instructions.

–          Whenever possible, limit outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

–          As weather permits, wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks.

–          Repair or replace torn window and door screens.

–          Empty birdbaths, kiddie pools, and pet water dishes every few days.

–          Clean rain gutters to remove debris that may clog them and prevent proper water drainage.

–          Repair or replace any leaky outdoor faucets.

–          If there are areas on your property prone to pooling water, and you are unable to properly drain them, place a mosquito larvicide “dunk” in them to prevent mosquito larvae from hatching. These products must be used according to instructions on the product label.

Residents who have flood-related health concerns, such as issues with mosquitoes or illness, are encouraged to e-mail the County Health Department at [email protected].

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego/flood-assistance-unit-will-be-in-mexico-june-12/

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