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Technical Advisory for COVID-19

Technical Advisory – March 24, 2020

COVID-19 Public Advisory

 

The Callaway County Health Department wants to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our county while enabling essential services to continue. Therefore, at this time, it is highly recommended that all individuals remain at home as much as possible to help decrease the spread of this infection. This document outlines recommendations of physical distancing for individuals and businesses.

Stay at home or place of residence. All individuals currently living within Callaway County are encouraged to stay at home or at their place of residence unless for essential activities, essential government functions, or to operate essential businesses and operations. Homes or residences include hotels, motels, shared rental units, shelters and similar facilities.

If individuals are using shared or outdoor spaces at their place of residence, it is recommended to adhere to physical distancing as much as possible.

Individuals experiencing homelessness are highly encouraged to obtain shelter. Those individuals whose residence is unsafe or becomes unsafe, such as victims of domestic violence, are urged to seek help and resources through the CARD V hotline at 573-642-4422.

Non-essential businesses and operations are recommended to limit contact among staff and with the public.  All businesses and operations within Callaway County are recommended to limit contact with the public and increase cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces.

Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if staff become symptomatic at the worksite. Encourage employees to stay home and notify workplace administrators when sick (workplaces should provide non-punitive sick leave options to allow staff to stay home when ill).  Review, update, or develop workplace plans to include liberal leave and telework policies and consider alternate team approaches for work schedules.

Implement physical distancing measures, that are not limited to but include increasing physical space between workers at the worksite, staggering work schedules, and decreasing social contacts in the workplace (e.g., limit in-person meetings, meeting for lunch in a break room, etc.).

Increase personal protective measures by ensuring hand hygiene supplies are readily available in building. Staff should clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at least twice daily.

When possible, encourage staff to telework (when feasible), particularly individuals at increased risk of severe illness.  Non-essential work travel should be limited or postponed. Consider regular health checks (e.g., temperature and respiratory symptom screening) of staff and visitors when entering buildings (if feasible).

If possible, offer pickup services for your products.  Let customers call in to select items and offer to have it ready for them at register or take payment over the phone and do curbside delivery.

All businesses are recommended to maintain the value of inventory and infrastructure, provide security, process payroll or employee benefits, or facilitate employees working remotely. Continue operations consisting exclusively or employees or contractors performing activities at their own residences (i.e., working from home).

All restaurants and retail food establishments that normally prepare food for on-site consumption are prohibited from conducting any dine-in food service; however, such businesses may provide pickup, drive-through, or delivery services.  Any congregate seating for dining is not allowed.

To the greatest extent feasible, all non-essential and essential businesses and operations should exercise physical distancing as much as possible.  If open to the public, they should limit the number of patrons in their facility to less than 10 and increase cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Prohibited activities. All public intentional gatherings of more than 10 people in a single space or room is prohibited. This does not apply to gatherings of a household or residence of individuals who reside in such residence.

All places of public amusement, whether indoors or outdoors, including but not limited to, locations with amusement rides, carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, museums, arcades, fairs, children’s play centers, play-grounds (including children’s play structures in public or private parks), funplexes, bowling alleys, movie and other theaters, concert and music halls, and country clubs, golf clubs (with the narrow exceptions of playing golf where there is no shared equipment by the participants and driving ranges where physical distancing requirements are strictly followed and enforced), social clubs, and athletic clubs should close to the public. An exception shall exist for outdoor parks and trails where no shared equipment is utilized by the patrons.

All public parks and open outdoor recreation areas are encouraged to remain open. Although, playgrounds may increase the spread of COVID-19 and are therefore encouraged to be closed with appropriate notices posted.

Leaving the home. It is highly recommended that all individuals remain home as much as possible, only leaving their residence for essential travel to perform essential activities, specifically related to health and safety, the procurement of necessary supplies and services, for outdoor activity, certain types of work and to care for others. When engaging in any outdoor activity it is recommended that all individuals practice physical distancing.

Schools and Social Services Providing Food. Schools and other entities that ordinarily provide food services to students or member of the public are encouraged to continue these services on a delivery or pick-up and take-away bases only. No onsite gathering is permitted.

Exemptions to Recommendations. All 911 call center employees, fire personnel, corrections personnel, healthcare employees, hazardous material responders from government or the private sector, workers maintaining digital systems infrastructure supporting law enforcement and emergency service operations, first responders, emergency management personnel, emergency dispatchers, court personnel, law enforcement personnel; and people designated by the applicable governing authority are necessary in the performance of essential government functions are exempt from recommendations.

Essential Government Functions. This recommendation does not prohibit any individual from performing or accessing essential governmental functions.

Travel. The CDC does not generally issue advisories to restrict travel within the United States. However, cases of COVID-19 have been reported in many states and crowded travel settings may increase chances of getting COVID-19.

It is recommended that individuals with recent travel outside of Central Missouri self-quarantine for 14 days. If symptoms of fever and/or persistent cough should arise, the individual should call their primary care physician to report symptoms and inform them of their recent travel.

Definitions:

1. Businesses- any for-profit companies, non-profit organizations, benevolent associations, limited liability companies, or partnerships, regardless of legal organization, form, entity, tax-treatment, or structure.
2. CDC- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
3. Congregate Seating – bringing together or assembling of a large group; specifically, at restaurants or other businesses for dining purposes.
4. Essential Activities- activities that are necessary for a person to:
   1. Act or perform tasks essential to any person’s health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family, household members, or pets, including but not limited to obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, obtaining supplies needed to work from home, or laundering clothing.
   2. Obtain Necessary Services or Supplies for themselves and their family, household members, or pets, or to deliver Necessary Services or Supplies to others.
   3. Engage in Essential Travel.
   4. Shop for grocery products, food, beverages, or other household and consumer products (for example, cleaning or personal care products including but not limited to products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, communication, and the essential operation of Residences).
   5. Engage in services or perform work necessary to operate or maintain Essential Critical Infrastructure.
   6. Engage in outdoor activity (including walking, hiking, running, or biking) to the extent reasonably consistent with Physical Distancing Requirements (including, for example, walking outdoors six feet away from another person).
   7. Participate in religious services and other spiritual practices but only to the extent consistent with reasonable compliance with Physical Distancing Requirements and gathering size limitations.
   8. Acts consisting of providing Essential Products and Services to a Residence, an Essential Business, or to a business in order for that business to maintain Minimum Basic Operations.
   9. Activities at open construction sites, irrespective of types of structures, subject to applicable OSHA and other safety guidelines, and related architectural, design, and land surveying activities, so long as the people involved reasonably comply with Physical Distancing Requirements to the extent consistent with applicable safety guidelines.
   10. Necessary care for a dependent in the person’s legal custody, including acts essential for a parent with legal custody to transfer the physical custody of a child.
   11. Care for a family member in another household.
   12. Engage in Essential Government Functions.
   13. Engage in Healthcare Operations.
   14. Engage in Essential Businesses.
   15. Exercise constitutional rights to the extent that by so acting the person does not endanger the public health and safety or the health and safety of any person.
   16. Acts consisting of providing Essential Products and Services to the federal government, the state government, or other political subdivision of the state of Missouri.
   17. Act or perform tasks approved pursuant to an order of the Director.
5. Disqualified Business- any Essential Business that is disqualified from being an Essential Business, by order of the Director, or by judicial decree or court order.
6. Essential Businesses– with the exception of Disqualified Businesses, the following:
   1. Healthcare Operations.
   2. Essential Critical Infrastructure.
   3. Essential Government Functions
   4. Grocery stores, farmers’ markets, farm stands, produce stands, supermarkets, food banks, food pantries, convenience stores, or other establishments engaged in the retail sale of or providing canned food, dry goods, fruits, vegetables, pet supply, meats, fish, and poultry, or any household consumer products ( e.g., cleaning or personal care products), including but not limited to stores that sell groceries and also sell other non-grocery products, and products necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of Residences; however, no dine in service is permitted.
   5. Businesses that engage in food cultivation, including farming, livestock, and fishing. Businesses that deal with grounds keeping and are outdoors in nature, maintaining safe distances and keeping maximum number of occupants at one time.
   6. Businesses that engage in food production, manufacturing, processing, packaging, wholesaling, storage, warehousing, or distribution.
   7. Businesses that provide food, shelter, social services, or other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or people otherwise in need of social services (including but not limited to individuals with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities).
   8. Newspapers, television stations, radio stations, and other media services, whether private or public.
   9. Gas stations, auto-supply, auto-repair, and related facilities.
   10. Banks, financial institutions, broker-dealers, asset managers, businesses that process payroll for any other business, and businesses that process financial transactions and services.
   11. Trash collection and disposal.
   12. Hardware stores.
   13. Inns, hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast establishments; however, dine-in service at on-site restaurants and bars is not permitted.
   14. Plumbers, electricians, exterminators, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, communication, and essential operations of Residences, Healthcare Operations, Essential Critical Infrastructure, Essential Government Services, Essential Activities, or other Essential Businesses.
   15. Businesses that perform construction services.
   16. Businesses providing mailing and shipping services, including post office boxes.
   17. Educational institutions, including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning, provided that Physical Distancing Requirements are maintained to the greatest extent possible.
   18. Businesses providing private security services in accordance with applicable laws.
   19. Laundromats, dry cleaners, and laundry service providers.
   20. Funeral homes, crematoriums, cremation, burial, mortuary services, and cemeteries.
   21. Churches, religious services, and other spiritual practices but only to the extent consistent with reasonable compliance with Physical Distancing Requirements and gathering size limitations.
   22. Storage for Essential Businesses.
   23. Restaurants and other facilities that prepare or serve food; however, only pick-up or delivery service of such food is permitted and Physical Distancing Requirements must be met (i.e., no dine-in service is allowed).
   24. Businesses that provide emergency repair and safety services for Essential Critical Infrastructure.
   25. Businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home.
   26. Businesses that supply Essential Businesses with the support or supplies necessary to operate, including but not limited to maintenance, security, janitorial, and other similar services.
   27. Businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, beverages, goods, or services to Residences or other Essential Businesses.
   28. Non-profit organizations to the extent that the organizations are providing financial or social support for people and businesses that are impacted by COVID-19.
   29. Businesses that manufacture or supply products necessary to meet the Physical Distancing Requirements, including but not limited to manufacturers of hand sanitizers and other hygiene, health, and cleaning products, and the businesses whose products and services are necessary to the ongoing operation of the businesses whose products are necessary to meet the Physical Distancing Requirements.
   30. Businesses that provide personal and transportation services including airlines, taxis, transportation network providers, livery services, vehicle rental services, and other private transportation providers providing transportation services necessary for Essential Activities and other purposes expressly authorized in this Advisory.
   31. Businesses or agencies providing public transportation or paratransit.
   32. Businesses that provide home-based care for the health of seniors, adults, or children.
   33. Residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, or children, including but not limited to those for survivors of family violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse, or child neglect.
   34. Defense and national security-related operations supporting the federal government or a contractor to the federal government.
   35. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities or to assist a person in the exercise of constitutional rights, including but not limited to services required by a court order, a court rule, a fiduciary duty, a duty to the person’s client, or an ethical obligation.
   36. Businesses and agencies that provide and help to determine eligibility for basic needs including food, cash assistance, medical coverage, childcare, vocational services, or rehabilitation services.
   37. Adoption agencies.
   38. Labor union essential activities, including the administration of health and welfare funds and personnel checking on the well-being and safety of members providing services in Essential Businesses provided that these checks should be done by telephone or remotely where possible.
   39. Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, when related to the necessary activities of Essential Businesses.
   40. Operations identified by the University of Missouri together with such individuals who have been authorized by the University to work on-site at University premises for operational continuity including any travel authorized by the University for such individuals.
   41. Adult detention facilities and juvenile justice facilities or similar operations.
   42. Businesses or independent providers that provide childcare or other dependent services but only to the extent that they provide services to people who are necessary employees of Essential Businesses, and including specifically without limitation Healthcare Operations, police departments, fire districts, jails, corrections medicine services, emergency management functions, food distribution companies, groceries, restaurants, pharmacies, public transit agencies, or businesses that manufacture or supply products necessary to meet Physical Distancing Requirements, provided that they take reasonable actions to comply with Physical Distancing Requirements, and provided that:
       1. childcare must be carried out in stable groups of twelve or fewer (“stable” means that the same twelve or fewer children are in the same group each day)
       2. children shall not change from one group to another in the same day

• if more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room and groups shall not mix with each other

1. childcare providers shall remain solely with one group of children in the same day.

1. Essential Government Functions- all services needed to ensure the continuing operation of federal, state, or local government departments, offices, agencies, officials, political subdivisions, entities created by intergovernmental agreement, essential court functions as determined by the Municipal Judge and/or Presiding Judge or the Presiding Judge’s designee, and any other government functions necessary to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
2. Essential Critical Infrastructure- operation and maintenance of essential critical infrastructure sectors whose assets, systems, and networks, whether physical or virtual, are considered so vital that their incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating effect on security, economic security, public health or safety, or any combination thereof and more fully identified by the US Department of Homeland Security. See https://www.cisa.gov/identifying-critical-infrastructure-during-covid-19
3. Essential Products and Services- products and services that are necessary for Essential Activities, Essential Government Functions, Essential Critical Infrastructure, Essential Travel, Essential Businesses, Minimum Basic Operations, or Healthcare Operations (including ancillary operations, maintenance, and support activities that are necessary to deliver the Essential Products and Services).
4. Essential Travel- travel that is necessary to serve any of the following purposes:
   1. Travel related to Essential Activities, Essential Government Functions, Essential Critical Infrastructure, Essential Travel, Essential Businesses, Minimum Basic Operations, or Healthcare Operations.
   2. Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable or High Risk people.
   3. Travel to an Essential Business to purchase goods or services from the Essential Business.
   4. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals, and any other related services.
   5. Travel to return to a place of Residence from outside the jurisdiction.
   6. Travel required by court order.
   7. Travel required by directions from law enforcement personnel with authority.
   8. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of Residence outside the County.
5. Gathering– an occasion when people come together as a group, whether formal or informal.
6. Health- the physical, mental, psychological, or psychiatric health of any person.
7. Healthcare Operations- hospitals, clinics, dentists, doctors, physicians, nurses, medical assistants,· social workers, speech pathologists, diagnostic and therapeutic technicians and technologists, respiratory therapists, occupational and physical therapists, public health and community health workers, blood donation related organizations, organizations collecting blood, organizations collecting plasma, organizations collecting platelets, reproductive health care providers, eye care centers (including those that sell glasses and contact lenses), substance abuse counselors, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, doctor offices, dentist offices, healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, mental health providers, any ancillary healthcare services, research and laboratory services, hospital and laboratory personnel, walk-in health facilities, elder care, medical wholesale and distribution, veterinary care, veterinarians, animal health services, workers providing COVID-19 testing, workers that perform critical clinical research needed for the COVID-19 response, facilities licensed pursuant to state constitutional amendment, the design and construction of healthcare and research­ related facilities including businesses that support the function and care for healthcare entities, and manufacturers and distributors of personal protective equipment, durable medical equipment, or other equipment used in the provision of healthcare. This definition shall be construed broadly to avoid any impacts to the delivery of healthcare, broadly defined, however “Healthcare Operations” does not include fitness and exercise gyms, esthetician services, tattoo parlors, tanning facilities, spas, massage facilities, or similar facilities.
8. High Risk- a person who is any one of the following: (a) over sixty years of age; (b) has a chronic health condition such as heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes; (c) is immune-compromised; or (d) is pregnant.
9. Intentional- an act done with a purpose or with deliberation.
10. Minimum Basic Operations- the minimum necessary activities to maintain the value of a business’s inventory, provide security, process payroll or employee benefits, or to facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their Residences.
11. Necessary Services or Supplies- services, supplies, or funds needed to engage in Essential Activities and support Essential Critical Infrastructure.
12. Organizes- intentionally coordinate, to make arrangements for, or to make preparations for an event or an activity.
13. Residences- a house, a condominium unit, an apartment unit, a dwelling, a hotel room, a motel room, a shared rental unit, shelters, or similar facilities but extends only within the bounds of the person’s ownership, the person’s leasehold interest,  or the space occupied in a hotel, motel or shared rental unit and does not include common areas
14. Physical Distancing- the physical distancing recommendations of the CDC which include maintaining at least six-foot physical distancing from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer with more than sixty percent alcohol, covering coughs or sneezes with something other than hands, regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands, or as otherwise defined.
15. Travel- moving from place to place.
16. Self-Quarantine- separates and restricts the movement of people who were exposed to a contagious disease to see if they become sick. These individuals should avoid contact with any other individual and have their own bedroom and bathroom, away from others.

COVID-19 and us

I just want to give everyone a quick update on COVID-19.  If you follow our facebook page you know we have 9 confirmed cases that are all connected and no report of community spread at this time.  Things are changing hourly so this could change at any time.  Please continue to self isolate as much as possible and practice social distancing (6 feet from anyone), wash your hands often with soap and water.  Be conscious of high touch areas if you are in public and take precautions (gloves, sanitizing wipes) for thing like key pads, shopping cart handles, public toilets, gas pumps, lots of areas that we normally take for granted.

Our office lobby is closed to the public and we are doing most things we normally do in person by mail, e-mail, phone or other means of distancing.

We are not doing inspections of food facilities/childcare facilities at this time unless there is a complaint because so many of them are shut down/or we can’t maintain our distance and protect us and others.

We are still inspecting septic at this time because we have very little contact (if any) with the public for this and can make arrangements.  Also the weather is not very cooperative for this at this time so it is slow.  If you need to set up an appointment, contact your installer and he/she will contact us.  I have sent them information privately.

Lastly, please stay safe, we need all our residents.

TDAP Shots for flooding

The Callaway County Health Department will be at the Mokane Callaway Bank Facility on Monday June 17th from 10-12 to give TDAP shots to people that are working in the flooding.  Bring your insurance card (if you have insurance) so we can document this.

Thank you for helping with any part of the flood, trying to hold the water back, clean up, monetary support, pictures or anything else each of you have done.  The entire county appreciates all your efforts.

Disaster needs

As the flood waters start receding (not yet, I am afraid!), there will be huge needs for our friends in the southern portion of our county.  There will be many opportunities to help out.

First and foremost, pray for these people.  They can use all the positive thoughts and encouragement they can get.

Second, if you feel inclined, there is a fund set up at the court house for disaster relief.  This is the best way to keep money local and no administrative fee will be taken.  While this fund is usually small and can’t take care of everyone’s needs, they will administer it as best as possible.

Third, if you feel compelled to help with cleanup, contact the Health Department or Emergency Management to see who needs help with clean up.

Fourth, be patient.  There will be lots of damage once the water goes down, including roads, bridges, the Katy trail, houses, much farm ground, levies, trees and debris and other infrastructure (think utilities).  Most of this stuff will be done by professionals but once again if you are willing to help out, contact the Health Department or Emergency Management (there will be a long term recovery committee set up to organize all this as well soon.).

PLEASE DON”T SELF DEPLOY and start doing things, contact the Health Department if you need a TDAP shot before doing any work in the flooded areas.  Make sure to use bug spray (available at the Health department) to reduce the chance of any mosquito borne illness.

Thank you to everyone that is willing to help with this event, we know Callaway County is one of the best when it comes to helping out their neighbors.

FLOODING!

As everyone knows, we have had massive flooding throughout the state of Missouri this spring.  It looks like it will be sticking around for a while.

Department of Health and Senior Services has posted some guidelines for everyone affected (yes, even if you are just working the flood).  Please read them and follow the instructions.  If you have any questions, feel free to call our office and ask for Kent or Mylene.

We hope everyone is staying safe and if you have to get in or around the flood waters, make sure you are up to date on all vaccines.

 

Returning to Flood Damaged Homes or Buildings

Dangers are not over after the water goes down.  Flood hazards, such as a weakened foundation, exposed electrical wires or contaminated floodwater are not always visible.  Keep the following safety tips in mind.

 

Before entering a building

• Check the outside of the building. Call the electric/gas company immediately if you find downed power lines or suspect a gas leak.
• Look for outside damage. Examine the foundation for cracks or other damage.  Look at porch roofs and overhangs.  Look for gaps between the steps and the house.  If you see damage, have a building inspector check the house before you enter.
• If the door sticks at the top it could mean the ceiling is ready to fall. Enter the building carefully.  If you force the door open, stand outside the doorway clear of possible falling debris.

 

After entering a building

• Look before you step. 1) Floors and stairs can be very slippery.  2) Be alert for gas leaks; do not strike a match or use an open flame. 3) Use a flashlight to inspect for damage.  4) Turn off the electricity.  Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, be sure to shut the power off in your home.  5) Do not use appliances or motors that were wet, unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.   6) Look for exposed wires.  7) Watch for small animals that have been flooded out of their homes.  8) Watch for snakes.  Use a stick to carefully move or turn items over and scare them away.
• Drain the basement gradually to minimize further structural damage.
• Before beginning cleaning, shovel out as much mud as possible and hose the house down, inside and out. Flood waters may have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings.
• Spoiled food, cosmetics and medicine that have been in flood waters are also health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.

 

NOTICE: Guidelines for Food Establishments

After a Flood

 

TO: Food service and retail food establishments located in the state of Missouri.

 

FROM: The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Bureau of Environmental Health Services. In the event of a flood the safe storage and handling of food products becomes a serious public health concern.  Flood waters contain chemical and biological contaminants which can adulterate foods.  As the owner or operator of a food establishment, you are responsible for maintaining your products in a wholesome condition and for proper disposal of adulterated foods.

 

Prior to reopening following flooding, establishment persons-in-charge (PICs) should conduct a complete establishment inspection to ensure that normal operations can be resumed safely and without compromising food safety. Establishments required to cease operations in an emergency or those affected by a natural disaster should not re-open until authorization is granted by the local or state regulatory authority.

 

You are also responsible for ensuring that temperature-abused, or otherwise adulterated food products are not

provided (sold, traded or given) to consumers as their consumption can lead to outbreaks of serious foodborne

illnesses.

 

• Discard all food and packaging materials that have been submerged in flood waters, unless the food is sealed in a hermetically sealed can that has not been damaged.  Do not recondition products in containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped-caps (soda pop bottles), twist-caps, flip-top, snap-open, and similar type closures that have been submerged in flood waters.  Do not salvage food packed in plastic, paper, cardboard, cloth, and similar containers that have been water damaged.  Canned food should be washed, rinsed, sanitized and relabeled.
• Exposed and sensitive foods (e.g. produce) and single service articles stored above flood waters may have been adulterated and should be discarded.
• Thoroughly wash all physical facility interior surfaces (e.g., floors, walls, and ceilings), using potable water, with a hot detergent solution, rinsed free of detergents and residues, and treated with a sanitizing solution.
• Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils (including can openers) with soap and hot water. Rinse, and then sanitize them by boiling in potable water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water or other approved sanitizer. Follow instructions on the sanitizer label for appropriate concentration.
• Thoroughly wash countertops, equipment and non-food contact surfaces with soap and hot water. Rinse, and then sanitize by applying a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water or other approved sanitizer. Allow to air dry.
• If the establishment is served by a well, the water should be disinfected and tested to confirm it is safe after flood waters recede. If you suspect well contamination, contact your local or state health department for specific advice.
• Floods are often accompanied by power outages.  See the department guidance for food establishments in power outages.

 

Remember that this is your responsibility. Health department staff members or our authorized representatives will be

conducting checks of establishments to ensure compliance with food code regulations.

 

Establishment: _______________________________________________________________________

Received by: ____________________________________

Printed name: ___________________________________

Title: __________________________________________

Date: ____________________ Time: _______________

Health Department Representative: ________________________________________________________

Flood Clean-Up Instructions

First steps

• Follow instructions of emergency personnel as to when it is safe to return.
• Contact your insurance agent.  Give your name, address and a phone number where you can be reached.  Follow your insurance agent’s direction about when to begin clean up.
• Take pictures of the damage before beginning clean up.
• Keep records.  List all clean-up and repair bills, flood-related living expenses and actual losses, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, etc.
• Adjuster will assess damage to house.  Owner should sign proof-of-loss statement.  Additional damages can be added when found.  If you have a question or problem with your insurance carrier, contact the Missouri Department of Insurance: 1-800-726-7390.

 

Electrical systems

• Be sure utilities are disconnected before entering the building for the first time.
• Disconnect main switch and all circuits. If the main switch is located in the basement, be sure all flood water is pumped out BEFORE attempting any work on electrical systems.
• This work is best done by an electrician.
• Have an electrician check for unsafe conditions and equipment before reconnecting systems.
• Equipment and wiring that appears to be safe soon after flooding may fail prematurely and cause a fire or shock hazard.  Replacement is often the best option.  Circuit breakers that have been under water should be replaced.

 

Cleaning up after the flood

• Mold is common after the flood.
• Your home should be washed to prevent health problems.
• In most cases household cleaning products will do the job.
• Read the label to see how much to use.
• Tackle one room at a time.  The two-bucket approach is best.  One bucket for cleaner, one for rinse.

 

Subfloors

Plywood subfloors may separate when flooded.  Sections that separate must be replaced to keep floor from warping.  When floor coverings (carpets, rugs, etc.) are removed, allow subflooring to dry (it may take several months) before installing new flooring.

Wood floors:

• Carefully remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling.  Consult a carpenter about removal techniques for tongue-and-groove boards.
• Clean and dry floor (it may take several weeks or months) before replacing boards and attempting repairs.

 

Tile and sheet-vinyl floors:

• If subfloor is wood, tile or sheet vinyl, it should be removed so wood can be replaced.  If floor has not been soaked, loose tiles may be re-cemented after floor is dry.
• If subfloor is concrete, removing tile or sheet vinyl will speed drying of the concrete floor.  If the tile or sheet vinyl is not damaged, you may allow the floor to dry on its own.
• If water has gotten under loose areas of the sheet flooring, remove the entire sheet.
• Ask a flooring dealer what will loosen the adhesive with the least damage to the floor.

 

Carpets and rugs

• Carpets and rugs are best cleaned by professionals.
• To clean them yourself, pull up water-logged carpets.  Discard all padding.  Rugs and pads should be dried outside on a clean, flat surface, such as a concrete driveway.  Place face down so stains will wick to the back instead of to the face yarns.
• Hose off and, if badly soiled, add detergent.  Work detergent into carpet with broom and rinse well. Remove as much water as possible quickly using steam, fans or water-extraction equipment.  Take care to avoid electrical shock.
• To prevent mildew and odors, rinse with a solution of two tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
• Dry carpet and floor thoroughly before carpet is replaced.  If carpet is put down wet, it may mildew. Carpet and backing may shrink.

 

Furniture

• Take furniture outdoors to clean.
• Hose or brush off mud.
• All parts (drawers, doors, etc.) should be removed.
• Dry slowly out of direct sunlight (hot sunlight will warp furniture). It may take several weeks to fully dry.

 

Household appliances

• Appliances that have been under water must be cleaned and dried before starting.
• All electricity or gas must be turned off.
• Open as much as possible to rinse or wipe clean.
• Let dry. Three days to a week is necessary for drying.
• Check with an appliance person before reconnecting. Most appliances can be saved.

 

 

 

Cleaning and disinfecting

• Wash (hands, feet, etc.) frequently in purified or disinfected water.
• Wear rubber gloves for extra protection against contamination. If you have cuts or scratches on your skin you must wear rubber gloves.
• As flood waters go down, use a disinfectant to clean walls and woodwork. A garden sprayer works well, spraying from top to bottom.
• Scrub with a brush to help remove mud and silt.
• Rinse with clean water and dry. If electricity is on, use heater, fan or air conditioner to speed drying.

 

Flood-damaged walls

• Remove water from home/business as soon as possible.
• Remove inside of walls to point above water height.
• Remove and discard wet insulation.
• Treat interior wall studs and plates with household bleach solution to prevent mold.
• Open windows and doors and use fans to allow to dry.
• Leave walls open for four weeks or until they have dried.

 

Clothing and linens

• Even if your washing machine did not get wet, do not use it until you know that the water is safe enough to drink and that your sewer line works.
• Before you wash clothes in the washing machine, run the machine through one full cycle, using hot water and a laundry detergent with one cup of bleach.
• Take clothes and linens outdoors and shake out dried mud or dirt before you wash them.
• Check the labels on clothes and linens. Wash them in detergent, household bleach and warm water if possible.  You can buy pine oil cleaners at the grocery store to sanitize fabrics that cannot be bleached.  If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” shake out loose dirt and take the item to a professional cleaner.

 

Information and referrals

• Contact local, state and federal offices for help and answers to specific clean-up questions.
• Your University Outreach and Extension center can help with food and water safety, cleanup and restoration questions or referrals.
• ParentLink offers parents and others with resources to help children cope: 1-800-552-8522.

 

Handwashing/Bathing After a Flood

Cleanliness is important to help prevent the spread of disease.  Clean, safe running water is necessary for cleanliness.  Safe running water can sometimes be hard to find after a flood.

Handwashing

Keeping hands clean helps prevent the spread of germs.  Wash your hands after working in flood waters, after using the toilet, before handling food and before and after treating a wound.  If your water well has been flooded or your home or business is under a boil water order, wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected.  Follow these steps to make sure you wash your hands properly:

• Wet your hands with clean water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
• Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub your hands well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean cloth or paper towel.

 

A temporary handwashing station can be created by using a large water jug that contains clean water (for example, boiled or disinfected).

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them.  If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

Hand sanitizers are not effective when hands are visibly dirty.

Bathing

Bathing after a water-related emergency should only be done with clean, safe water.  Sometimes water that is not safe to drink can be used for bathing.  Listen to local authorities for the safe uses of your water.

Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, or make ice.

Source:  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Food Safety After a Flood

During power outages

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.
• The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) and the door remains closed.
• Discard refrigerated food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items if the food temperature if above 41°F for more than 4 hours.
• Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 41°F or below when checked with a food thermometer.
• Never taste a food to determine if it is safe!
• Obtain dry or block ice to keep your refrigerator and freezer as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a long period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18-cubic-foot full freezer for 2 days.
• If the power has been out for several days, check the temperature of the freezer with an appliance thermometer. If the appliance thermometer reads 41°F or below, the food is safe to refreeze.
• If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. If the food still contains ice crystals, the food is safe.

 

Steps to follow after the flood

• Throw away any food if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water. Discard wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers.
• Thoroughly wash all metal pans, dishes and utensils that came in contact with flood water with hot soapy water. Disinfect with a solution of 1 tablespoon of regular, household bleach per gallon of clean water.
• Undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans can be saved if they do not have a flip-top lid. The cans should be cleaned and disinfected with a solution of 1 tablespoon of regular, household bleach per gallon of clean water.
• Use bottled water that has not been in flood waters. If bottled water is not available, tap water can be boiled for safety.

Immunization Shots in Disasters

What shots do I need before going home to the flood area?

Clean-up and repair activities present a risk of injuries that can lead to serious infections.  One of the most serious infections is tetanus, also known as “lock jaw.” Tetanus (lock jaw) infection can be deadly but can be prevented by an immunization (shot).

• Get a booster dose of tetanus if you have not had a dose within the past 10 years or are unsure of the last time you had one.
• If you get a deep cut or puncture wound, seek immediate medical attention and ask about a tetanus booster.

For more information on immunizations, contact your health care provider, your local public health agency, or the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Immunizations Program at              866-628-9891.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Callaway County 911 Reflective Address Sign order form

Callaway County 911 Reflective Address Sign Order Form for Health Depar…You have seen those green address signs on mailboxes, on stakes at a driveway or on a post near a house.  Those signs are important to you as well as emergency services.

When you call 911 and need police, fire, or ambulance how do they know which house is yours.  Sure google or siri or whoever can help them but they are not always accurate.

So if you have one of those green signs, Emergency services know they are at the correct location to help you when time is of the essence or it seems to be taking forever for them to get to you.

The Health Department has the order forms available for you to fill out and return along with a check for $15.00 made out to Callaway County.  Our Road and Bridge department will be making the signs now since the fire departments have become too busy with all their other responsibilities to make them (and we appreciate them doing this for many years).  So come into our office and ask for a form, get it filled out and we will send it to Road and Bridge and they will contact you as soon as the signs are ready.

 

Effective May 2019

Due to the poor turnout at the Monthly Holts Summit Class, we will be discontinuing it until there is more interest.  The past 3 months, there has been very little to no turnout so it does not pay the county to send someone down there after hours.  If we get more commitment from people in that area, we may start it back up.

NOW if you live in Holts Summit and need to take the food handler course, you will need to attend at the class held at the Callaway County Health Department on the last Tuesday of each month at 10 am, 2 pm or 7 pm.  Call to make sure to reserve your spot in class.

I am sorry for any hardship this may cause but we have tried to accommodate people and they are not taking advantage of it.

Capital Region community assessment

Our community assessment is here and you can find out information on the link below.  Thanks for completing a survey.

 

Click to access 2018-cmchap-chna-executive-report.pdf

 

Fleas and Ticks oh my!

I know we shouldn’t be seeing ticks yet but there were ticks out this weekend.  So protect yourself.  Use spray, wear long clothing when you are in the woods or tall grass and CHECK everywhere for them.  There are directions attached.  If you need a copy or more information stop in our office and request the information.