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DHHS News Releases

• Wells Near Flooded Areas Need to be Tested -
  June 21, 2011
• Water Chief: Take Action Before Flooding to Protect Drinking Water -
  June 1, 2011

Audio (mp3 format)

River Dangers - 30 second public service announcement.

Wells Near Flooded Areas Need to be Tested - Jack Daniel, administrator of the Office of Drinking Water and Environmental Health

1. Test water if there is a change in taste of color

Disaster-Related Stress - Scot Adams, director, Division of Behavioral Health

1. Dealing with problems can be exhausting.  It's helpful to talk to someone.
2. If stress interfering with life, get help
3. Resilient people recover
4. Stress is normal response to flooding
5. Warning signs of stress

Food Safety - Jack Daniel, Administrator of the Office of Drinking Water and Environmental Health

1. How flood water can contaminate a food supply?
2. What about canned goods?
3. What about food in refrigerators and freezers during a power loss?

Water Quality- Jack Daniel, Administrator of the Office of Drinking Water and Environmental Health

1. Indicators that your water might be affected
2. Alternatives to contaminated drinking water
3. When should wells be tested?

Take Action Before Flooding to Protect Drinking Water

1. Why is flood water in a well unsafe?
2. What should be done to prevent contamination of wells?
   • Caulk
   • Seal vents

Additional Audio Resources (streaming format)

• NOAA Weather Radio Streaming Audio
• Staying Safe After a Flood - CDC Public Service Announcements

Fact Sheets / FAQs

• Brochure:
       What you need to know about planning and recovering from a flood.
   Folleto en Español

• Mold Concerns

• Do I need a tetanus shot if I'm in a flooded area?

  • Tetanus immunization is recommended for all adults every 10 years. However, if you have a severe wound or deep cut and your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago, check with your health care provider to see if you need a booster. 

  • Tetanus is an infectious disease, but it’s not spread from one person to another.  The bacteria that cause tetanus are found in the soil and usually enter the body through a wound.  The infection is very serious and will involve a long hospital stay. Surviving tetanus disease doesn’t create immunity.  The only way to guarantee future protection is through immunization.

Links and Resources

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Water testing kit request - private citizen

Water testing kit request - government or school

NEMA - Nebraska Emergency Management Agency

• Follow NEMA on Facebook

 

Nebraska's Local Health Departments

 

National Weather Service - River Report

 

CDC - After a Flood

• Immunizations  

 

USDA - Keeping Food Safe During An Emergency

 

DEQ -  Department of Environmental Quality
Get information on debris cleanup, disposal of animal carcasses and hazardous waste.

•  Guidance for Cleanup Following Tornadoes, Severe Storms

 

Roads

• Travel Information and Road Closures on the Web
  - By Phone, call 511 (800-906-9069)

  • Travelers are encouraged to use both the Web link above and to call 511

•  Driving Flood Facts & Warning Definitions 

 

Nebraska Department of Insurance

•  NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Handbook       en Español

  • This claims guide by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which oversees the National Flood Insurance Program, is a good resource for those who have flood insurance.

• Residents with additional questions can contact the Nebraska Department of Insurance hotline at 1-877-564-7323 during normal business hours.

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