Editorial

Most Nebraskans won't complain about rain, but ...

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

What was that I just heard, a complaint about rain?

Most long-time Nebraskans would bite their tongue rather than mention something about there being too much rain.

Weekend rains of as much as 8 inches left us more than 5 inches ahead of normal precipitation for the year and nearly that for the month alone, however, and we've been reminded that too much rain can, indeed, be a problem.

Roads have washed out, basements have flooded and hail has damaged crops, cars and buildings.

Perhaps old-timers will forgive us for uttering a discouraging word about the precipitation.

Since we're not used to dealing with an excess of rain, we do need some reminders of how to best deal with the excess of water, which can be a real health concern.

Heidi Wheeler, emergency response coordinator for Southwest Nebraska Public Health encourages residents to be careful about rainwater, especially standing water, which can act as a breeding site for mosquitos.

"Walk around your home or business and look for stagnant water," she urged. "Eliminate these areas as best as possible to avoid mosquito exposure."

Mosquito bites can increase your exposure to West Nile virus, which is best prevented by avoiding being bitten by the insects.

In other cases, she adds:

Remove standing water quickly.

* Discard wet, absorbent materials that can't be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

* Remove moisture by closing windows and running a dehumidifier or window air conditioner.

* Remember to wash your hands frequently with clean water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Disinfect toys that may have come into contact with storm waters.

* Clean up and prevent mold growth. Dry out the building as quickly as possible. Clean wet objects and surfaces with a bleach solution of 1 cup bleach per 5 gallons of water.

* If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with soil, sewer or storm water, treat the wound with soap and clean water and apply an antibiotic ointment. Contact your medical provider to find out if a tetanus shot is needed.

* Limit your contact with flood water.

Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage

* Clean and disinfect everything that got wet. Mud left from floodwaters can contain sewage and chemicals.

* You should also keep children away from mud and make sure they don't play with anything that may have become polluted by flood water or sludge.

More information is available at http://www. swhealth.ne.gov/ or at Facebook.com/swnphd or @swpublichealth on Twitter.

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