Wear shoes in post-flood areas to reduce the chances of punctures or cuts from nails and other sharp contaminated objects, officials said.

Medical

Persons with puncture wounds or cuts exposed to floodwater could be at risk of contracting tetanus and may need to have a tetanus shot to prevent infection. Tetanus shots are available at the Cleveland County Health Department or through your physician.

General

If coming upon an area covered with water, turn around. Do not try to drive through or walk through the water and never go around barricades. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving water can knock over an adult. It takes only 2 feet of rushing water to carry away a vehicle. So practice the "turn around, don't drown" technique.

Do not allow children to play in or near floodwater or storm drains.

Disinfect all furniture, woodwork and other household surfaces in homes that have flooded. Disinfect children's toys with a solution of one-cup bleach to five gallons of water. To prevent producing toxic fumes, do not mix bleach with products that contain ammonia.

Wash hands frequently during cleanup to lessen recontamination of cleaned areas.

To prevent allergic reactions and other health problems caused by mold, replace porous wallboard (from at least 12 inches above the waterline) that has been flood-damaged. For more information on mold, check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/mold/protect.asp.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not burn charcoal or use gasoline-powered generators or pumps indoors.

Try to rest and conserve energy and avoid heat stress. Persons with heart conditions and other illnesses should avoid strenuous exertion.

Remain calm. Signs of anger and depression are normal under catastrophic conditions. Sensitivity to the stress felt by others can help restore calm.

For more information, contact the Cleveland County Health Department Norman office at 321-4048 or the Moore office at 794-1591.