** Staying Safe **

If your house is flooded and water levels are rising, follow these safety steps:

• Wear rubber-soled shoes or boots.
• Turn off your circuit breakers.
• Disconnect all electrical appliances.
• Turn off all wall switches.

Posted 09/27/2024

Source: Charlotte County webpage

Charlotte County urges residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding. Skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, health hazards are a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.

The following is recommended to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:

• Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula. Wash your hands with soap and either disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
• Avoid eating for drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
• Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
• If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
• Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.

Vibrio vulnificus:

• Risk Factors: Individuals who have compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus.
• Symptoms: Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, fast or high heart rate, confusion, or disorientation.
• When to Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms associated with Vibrio vulnificus, especially after exposure to floodwaters.

If on a septic system and your plumbing is functioning slowly:

• Conserve water as much as possible; the less water used the less sewage the septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine.
• Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high-water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the basic problem is high ground water, pumping the tank does nothing to solve that problem.

If your well is flooded:

• Heavy rainfall may have made your well water unsafe to drink. If you are unsure about the impact of flooding on your well water, use bottled water or boil water for drinking, making ice, teeth brushing, and washing any areas of the skin that have been cut or injured.
• If your well is affected by flood waters, there may be disease-causing organisms in your water making it unsafe to drink.
• For additional questions regarding well water testing, contact DOH-Charlotte Environmental Public Health at 941-624-7200.

Posted 05/20/2025

Source: Charlotte County News dated 10/08/2024

A Consumer's Guide to Food Safety: Severe Storms and Hurricanes from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Food Safety & Inspection Service

Food Safety in a Disaster or Emergency from the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Food Safety Campaign

Managing Water from the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Ready Campaign

Protect Food and Water During Hurricanes and Other Storms from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration

Make your Water Safe from Florida Health

Boil Water Advisories' FAQs from Florida Health

Downed utility lines, power company blackouts, hurricanes, or summer storms can all lead to power outages. Portable generators are a temporary solution to power appliances, lights, devices, etc.. It’s important to know that portable generators emit carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous, deadly gas. Don’t become a statistic! Use these tips to avoid CO exposure:

• Read the owner’s manual and follow all manufacturer’s recommendations.
• NEVER use a generator indoors, outside under a window, near a door, on a covered patio, near a vent opening, in an attached garage even with the door open, or in any space without adequate ventilation. Doing so could allow CO to enter and build up in occupied spaces.
• Place the generator so that exhaust fumes CANNOT enter the home through windows, doors, or other openings. The exhaust must be directed away from the building.
• Do NOT stand or sit downwind of generator exhaust. If you can smell exhaust, you are inhaling it.
• Check currently installed carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in your home to ensure they are working properly or install/replace them in your home if needed. Follow applicable state and local electrical codes and manufacturer’s instructions for correct placement and mounting height.
• Do NOT use a generator until it is properly grounded.
• Plug devices directly into the generator or a heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cord. The cords should be checked for cuts, tears, fraying, and that the plug has all three prongs, especially a grounding pin, before using.
• If you must connect the generator to the house wiring to power appliances, lights, devices, etc., have a qualified electrician install a properly rated TRANSFER SWITCH in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and all applicable state and local electrical codes. Be sure to understand how to use the transfer switch.
• Pay attention to your generator’s capacity and do NOT overload it.
• Keep flammable items away from the generator. The exhaust system is very hot.
• NEVER refuel a generator inside your home or while it is hot. A serious fire could result. Turn it off and let it cool down before refueling.
• Prevent electric shock. Do NOT use the generator in wet areas. If needed, protect the generator with a canopy.
• Store fuel for the generator in a container (or containers) that is (are) intended for the purpose and is (are) correctly labeled as such. Store the containers outside of living areas.

More information can be found in the OSHA Fact Sheet Using Portable Generators Safely. 

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles are highly corrosive and should NOT be exposed to standing water. Flooded vehicles lead to high-voltage shock hazards, which could lead to a fire. 

For more electric vehicle information, go to www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/electric-and-hybrid-vehicles

Posted 09/27/2024

Source: Charlotte County webpage

From the City of Punta Gorda ...

Any items containing lithium batteries that were exposed to saltwater or submerged in any way from storm surge such as Electric Vehicles, E-bikes, E-lawn mowers, E-scooters, etc. should NOT be kept inside your home, garage, or shed after a storm.

The effects of salt water from storm surge on lithium batteries can cause structure fires. Salt water acts as a conductor for electricity and can lead to a fire that can rapidly spread inside a structure. If you have electric vehicle mounted chargers in your garage, it is highly recommended to consult with an electrician to ensure there are not concerns with the equipment or the vehicle prior to charging them inside your garage.

Please read below for additional information on lithium batteries and water exposure:

The dangers of lithium batteries and the effects they have when exposed to water can be detrimental. Prolonged exposure to high levels of moisture can lead to irreversible damage as water may penetrate the battery. The combined effects of electrolytes decomposition, lithium salt dissolution, electrode damage, and short circuits mean that lithium cells fail rapidly and cause fire when contaminated with water. Lithium-ion batteries can enter an uncontrollable, self-heating state, this can result in the release of gases, cause fires, and possible explosion. Salt water is a great conductor of electricity, if it penetrates the battery case, the water will create a direct path for the flow of electricity, potentially causing a short circuit this can lead to overheating, leakage, or even fire. Most common items with lithium-ion batteries include but are not limited to are: lawn mowers, edger’s, weed eaters, tools, electric bikes, EV vehicles, scooters, phones, E-cigarettes, vapes, etc.  

Please contact the Punta Gorda Fire Department if you have any questions (941) 575-5529.

Updated 10/05/2024

Source: City of Punta Gorda Media Advisory dated 10/05/2024