Remember that there may be dangers in your home and neighborhood when you return after disasters such as hurricanes. Be safe and protect yourself and your family with these tips :

• Stray and dead animals can carry disease, so:
  • DO NOT attempt to feed or touch stray or wild animals
  • Call your local animal control to report stray animals or for proper disposal methods of dead animals found in your home or yard.

• Rats and rodents can carry disease. In order to avoid them:
  • Bag and Dispose of garbage ASAP
  • Separate types of garbage when possible (ex. place bagged food, roofing tiles and moldy furniture in three different piles)
  • Call La. Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for local dumping sites and disposal recommendations at 1-888-763-5424 (this is a 24- hour hotline)
  • Wash dishes in clean/boiled water immediately after use
  • Keep food stored in airtight containers
  • Keep counters and floors clean from food and crumbs
  • Use a shovel to remove dead rodents from your yard or house

• Mosquitoes can carry disease, so to avoid bites:
  • Use an insect repellent containing DEET
  • Wear long pants, socks, and long sleeved shirts
  • Empty containers with standing water (where they lay eggs)

• Snake bites are very dangerous. To avoid them:
  • Be aware that snakes may be in high water or debris
  • If you see a snake do not touch it and back away slowly

• If someone is bitten by a snake:
  • DO NOT suck try to suck the venom from the wound
  • Remember the color and shape of the snake
  • Call 911 and stay calm
  • Keep the bite location below the heart
  • Apply a clean, dry dressing to the bite, seek medical help

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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