September 23, 2005 Hurricane Rita #3 --- Health Department Reminds Public of Boil Order Precautions During Storms

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Baton Rouge --- Due to potential weather threats from Hurricane Rita, the state Department of Health wishes to remind citizens that if they experience water pressure loss during the storm, their system is considered to be on a blanket boil advisory until health officials notify the public that the water is safe for consumption.

 Citizens who experience water pressure loss should not use their tap water to drink, make ice, brush teeth, prepare or rinse food with tap water unless it has been properly disinfected until further notice.

 Therefore, health officials have issued a boil notice for these water systems, effective immediately.

 Health officials are cautioning the users of affected water systems to disinfect their water before consuming or using for food preparation by any of the following means:

 

People who lose electricity during the storm and are unable to boil their water can disinfect it by any of the following means:

 

 

 

Health officials note that boiling is the most effective method of disinfection of water, particularly for people who are severely immuno-compromised (infected with HIV/AIDS, cancer and transplant patients taking immunosuppressive drugs, or people born with a weakened immune system) and for infants and elderly who wish to take extra precautions.

 

The boil notice will remain in effect until rescinded by an authorized representative of the Department of Health and Hospitals.

 

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Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Interim Secretary Drew Maranto

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