June 14, 2016

After the Storm, Drain and Cover
 
Contact: Tiffani McDaniel
Media Desk: 407-665-3374 (office) and 321-200-7805 (cell)
 
Sanford, Fla. – As the Florida counties impacted by Tropical Storm Colin begin to clean up, the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) reminds everyone to do their part in preventing mosquito breeding. Seminole County residents and visitors are asked to “Drain and Cover” to help keep our families and neighbors safe.
 
“We must all do our part to act quickly to eliminate new sources of standing water brought on by Tropical Storm Colin,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, Health Officer for DOH-Seminole. “While we have not experienced local transmission of Zika, we must remain vigilant in our efforts to protect ourselves from mosquito bites in and around our homes.”
 
To protect against mosquitoes, DOH-Seminole urges the public to “Drain and Cover”:
 
DRAIN standing water:

• Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
• Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

• CLOTHING - If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves.
• REPELLENT - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

• Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites:

• Clean out troughs and gutters;
• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain;
• Turn over or remove empty plastic pots;
• Pick up all beverage containers and cups;
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water;
• Replace water in birdbaths and pet or other animal feeding dishes at least once a week;
• Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week; and
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.