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Health Advisory Following Ovid Fire

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In response to the fires in the Village of Ovid Tuesday night, the Seneca County Health Department would like to remind residents of the dangers of fire and smoke inhalation. It is important to understand the risk to your health and safety even after the fire is out. The soot and dirty water left behind could make you ill. Do not eat, drink, or breathe in anything that has been near the flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put the fire out. The Health Department also advises people who think they may be experiencing health symptoms from smoke exposure to contact their primary healthcare provider.

What to expect and do during and after a fire:

  • People might experience health symptoms from smoke, heat, fire, and odors associated with the fire, even when visible smoke may not be present
  • After a fire is completely put out, buildings affected by smoke should be ventilated with fresh air to reduce odors. This may be a slow process depending on how much of the building was affected by smoke. If smoke damage is substantial, carpeting and other porous building materials can continue to off-gas residual smoke chemicals for some time.
  • Beware of ice and slippery surfaces as buildings damaged by fire and smoke will also likely have significant damage from water used to extinguish the fire.
  • Sorting through/cleaning burnt debris is not recommended for health reasons as some hazardous chemicals and unsafe conditions may be present.

Cleaning and sanitizing your household after an emergency is important to help prevent the spread of illness and disease. Fire ash may be irritating to the skin, nose, and throat, and may cause coughing and/or nose bleeds. Fine particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, may aggravate asthma, and may make it difficult to breathe. If you are experiencing health symptoms from smoke exposure, contact your primary healthcare provider immediately.

Clean and sanitize floors, sinks, hard plastic toys, and tools in a four-step process:

Avoid using vacuum cleaners as they may spread soot and dust.

• Damp Dust and Wet Mop soot or dust-covered areas.
• Wash with soap and hot, clean water.
• Rinse with clean water.
• Sanitize by immersing in a solution of 1 cup (8 oz/240 mL) of unscented household chlorine bleach in 5 gallons of clean water for 1 minute.
• Allow to air dry

Please remember the following safety tips when cleaning:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or any other cleaner.
• Wear rubber or other non-porous boots, gloves, and eye protection.
• Try not to breathe in product fumes. If using products indoors, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to enter.

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