Katherine Mackedanz, the new health education coordinator for the Todd County Public Health Department, provided the following tips for anyone affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding.

o Take pictures of flood damage, including pictures of the building and contents before you start cleaning. Pictures help with insurance claims.

o Stay safe as you clean. Wear a mask, rubber boots, rubber gloves and eye goggles to clean up. Wash hands often using soap and safe water.

o What to throw away. Take out and throw away anything that soaks up water. Wood, wallboard, wallpaper, insulation, car- peting and mattresses can grow mold that can make you sick. When in doubt, throw it out.

o Scrub all hard surfaces.

First, scrub hard, "nonporous" surfaces like

concrete, counter tops and appliances with soap and safe water. Rinse well with safe water. Scrub and rinse with safe water before using a bleach mix. Do not mix bleach with soap or other products.

o Dry out your home. Open doors and windows. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry your home.

If using fuel powered tools stay away from enclosed spaces and garages and near open windows, doors, or air intakes. They make gases that can cause illness or death.

o Be careful with asbestos. Dry asbestos fiber can enter your lungs when you breathe. It can cause cancer. Wet asbestos is less likely to be in the air. If your home or building has asbestos in it, call an asbestos company to take it away safely.

o Clean up fuel-oil spills. Wear clothing that will not soak up oil when cleaning. Keep children and pets away from fuel-oil spills. Keep fresh air moving in area. Throw away items that are porous and have soaked up the oil. Keep away anything that can start a fire. An oil spill is a potential fire hazard. Report the fuel-oil spill to the state duty officer at 800-422- 0798.