Safety is top priority in flood preparation, response

The Internet can be fun and informative; however, it’s important to remember that not all information presented on the Web is accurate. Especially when it comes to health information, it’s wise to consult reputable and trusted websites, such as those maintained by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A recent example of inaccurate health advice is in regards to flood preparation and the use of bleach.

Bleach can be effective in cleaning and sanitizing basements and items after flooding occurs, but there is no research to show that leaving open containers or tablets of bleach in basements is effective in preventing mold growth. “Leaving bleach out in the open, especially in large quantities, is a concern because undiluted bleach is corrosive,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk.

“If it comes into contact with skin, it can cause skin irritation. Bleach mixed with other chemicals, such as ammonia, can cause breathing difficulties, and will cause gastrointestinal damage if accidently ingested by an unsupervised child.”

Mold is naturally-occurring and can be found everywhere in the environment, both indoors and outdoors. Mold will grow in areas where moisture is present. Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. Exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects, or none at all.

The most common health complaints are allergic symptoms (runny nose, and itchy eyes) due to mold allergies. If you have an existing health condition such as asthma, emphysema or COPD, it can make those conditions worse.

If you think you are experiencing a serious health problem due to mold, you should consult your health care provider.

(Press Release, Iowa Dept. of Public Health)

The Missouri River is about to reach historic highs and will potentially flood large portions of the western edge of Southwest Iowa. In the immediate term, SWITA (the Southwest Iowa Transit Agency) is preparing alternate routes for affected communities and businesses, and is on standby by for emergency evacuations should the need arise.

Once the flood recedes, SWIPCO (the Southwest Iowa Planning Council, Region 13) is prepared to assist communities as well. It is anticipated that housing assistance and infrastructure assistance will be available if the floods are a federally declared disaster. Cities and individuals are strongly encouraged to document the time and effort spent combating the flood, and any losses sustained from the disaster.

In 2008, the communities that were best able to document their damages were the ones that received the most recovery funds.

(from the “SWITA Update,” newsletter, June 2011)

JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad is calling for a review of the management of the Missouri River after this year’s flooding recedes. Speaking Friday on the public television program, “Iowa Press,” Branstad noted he has long questioned how the Army Corps of Engineers manages Missouri River dams upriver from Iowa. He thinks they don’t adequately protect downriver states.

He says the focus should now be on preventing flooding and recovering from any damages, but officials should later examine what could have been done to prevent huge releases of water that are threatening communities in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.

The Corps says the releases are needed because of a wet spring and a huge mountain snowpack.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Gov. Terry Branstad says he’s concerned as to how levees in western Iowa will hold up to high water along the Missouri River for a prolonged period. The governor was in Council Bluffs Friday to view flood-fighting efforts and provide an update on the state’s response.

The Missouri is rising rapidly because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is increasing the amount of water it releases from upstream reservoirs to deal with heavy spring rains and snowpack. The river is expected to crest 5 to 7 feet above flood stage in Iowa and Nebraska next week, but the water will remain high until at least August.

Branstad says communities are responding well to the flood threat but the long-term integrity of the levees is foremost on everyone’s mind.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) — Rising floodwaters on the Missouri River have forced the closure of the section of Interstate 680 that links Iowa and Nebraska. The Iowa Department of Transportation announced the closing on Friday.

I-680 is now closed between the spot where it meets I-29 and the North 30th Street exit in Omaha. The closing includes the Mormon Bridge over the Missouri River. A 10-mile stretch of Interstate 29 between that location and Council Bluffs is also closed.

Officials recommend that drivers who want to cross between Nebraska and Iowa detour south to Interstate 80 to cross the swollen Missouri River.

JOHNSTON, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad is calling for a review of the management of the Missouri River after this year’s flooding recedes. Speaking Friday on the public television program, “Iowa Press,” Branstad noted he has long questioned how the Army Corps of Engineers manages Missouri River dams upriver from Iowa. He thinks they don’t adequately protect downriver states.

He says the focus should now be on preventing flooding and recovering from any damages, but officials should later examine what could have been done to prevent huge releases of water that are threatening communities in Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri.

The Corps says the releases are needed because of a wet spring and a huge mountain snowpack.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Iowa has activated its emergency operations center in response to flooding along the Missouri River in western Iowa. The Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management announced the center’s opening today (Friday). It will be staffed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad will travel to western Iowa to view flood-fighting efforts as the Missouri River swells. Branstad is scheduled to meet this (Friday) afternoon with workers filling sandbags in Council Bluffs. A news conference will follow to discuss the flood situation.

The governor has canceled an aerial tour of western Iowa counties because of weather. It was to have preceded his stops in Council Bluffs.

The Missouri River is rising rapidly because the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is increasing the amount of water it releases from upstream reservoirs to deal with heavy spring rains and snowpack.

The river is expected to crest 5 to 7 feet above flood stage in Iowa and Nebraska next week, but the water will remain high until at least August.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to attend a planning session with members of the Iowa Architectural Foundation (IAF) on Friday, June 17^th at 4 p.m., at the Historic Rock Island Depot. The Iowa Architectural Foundation is currently facilitating a Community Design Program for the Atlantic area that focuses on the entrance corridors, signage, and directional signage located within the community. 

Ann McCurdy, Executive Director of the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, says they started on this project last year, and saw the results of the program in communities like Avoca. McCurdy says they are “Excited at the opportunity to bring it to Atlantic to address some of our unique challenges.”

Initially, the Chamber saw it as a great opportunity to bring in experts to Atlantic to have them look at our entry ways and the lot in question at 7th and Olive. McCurdy says “While we’re excited to move forward with plans for 7th and Olive, the Chamber wanted to ensure that we, as a city, were creating a plan for all of Atlantic in terms of signage and design standards.” She says they didn’t want it to turn into something that just happened ”By piecemeal,” and working through the Community Design Program gives officials access to experts who can provide a framework and a phased plan of how the project can move forward successfully.

During the session, members of the IAF team will talk with residents about their design preferences as well as hearing first-hand their ideas and reflections about the community. Light refreshments will be available. For planning purposes, the Chamber asks that you RSVP by calling 243-3017.

The Community Design Program assists communities by providing a very open and public decision-making process that brings civic groups, elected officials, and concerned citizens together with design professionals to visualize solutions for community betterment. Founded in 1989, the Iowa Architectural Foundation (IAF) is a charitable organization that promotes awareness and appreciation of architecture and design.