The City of Fort Lauderdale announces the following Tropical Storm Isaac updates as of Wednesday morning, August 29:
- Flood Watch - Until 8:30 pm
- Rip currents possible at beach
Traffic Advisory / Inoperable Traffic Lights
Motorists are advised to continue to use caution when driving and treat all intersections with inoperable traffic lights as four-way stops.
Flood Waters Pose Health Risks
Although skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, health hazards are a concern when waters become contaminated. Flood waters may contain fecal material, associated bacteria and viruses.
Broward County Health Department recommends the following precautions to prevent possible illness from flood waters:
- Basic hygiene is critical. Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
- Do not wade through standing water. If you do, bathe and put on clean clothes as soon as possible.
- Avoid contact with flood waters if you have open cuts or sores. If you have any open cuts or sores and cannot avoid contact with flood waters, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention. Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds and have not had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years require a tetanus booster.
- If there is a backflow of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard absorbent household materials, such as wallcoverings, cloth, rugs, and sheetrock. Clean walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly disinfect food contact surfaces (counter tops, refrigerators, tables) and areas where small children play. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water. Air dry larger items in the sun and spray them with a disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting.
If your plumbing is functioning slowly or sluggishly, you should:
- Conserve water as much as possible; the less water used the less sewage the septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine. Go to a laundromat. Rental of a portable toilet for a temporary period may be another option.
- Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the fundamental problem is high ground water, pumping the tank does nothing to solve that problem.
- If you cannot use your plumbing without creating a sanitary nuisance, i.e., without sewage being exposed, consider moving to a new location until conditions improve.
- Do not have the septic tank and drainfield repaired until the ground has dried. Often systems are completely functional when unsaturated conditions return. Any repair must be permitted and inspected by your county health department.
For more information, please visit our website at www.browardchd.org or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation
All City of Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation programs will resume normal activities on Tuesday, August 28.
City of Fort Lauderdale Bulk Trash Pick Up
The City of Fort Lauderdale suspended BULK TRASH PICK UP on Monday, August 27. Bulk trash pick up will take place on Wednesday, August 29 for those residents whose bulk trash is normally picked up on Monday.
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport
Air travelers are reminded to check with their individual airline carrier for the latest updates on flight schedules.
Report Price Gouging
Residents who may be experiencing price gouging can call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Price Gouging Hotline at 1-800-435-7352 or the Florida Attorney General at 1-866-966-7226.
Power Outages
Residents and businesses are reminded to report power outages or downed power lines to FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).
Generator Safety
Portable generators can be hazardous if used improperly. The two biggest risks are: carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust and electrocution from connecting the generator to the home electrical wiring system. To avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:
Never use a generator indoors or in attached garages
Only operate the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated, dry area, away from air intakes to the home, and protected from direct exposure to rain, preferably under a canopy, open shed, or carport.
Broward County Hurricane Hotline
Citizens can call the Broward County Emergency Hotline at 311 in Broward or 954-831-4000.
City Emergency Management Briefing Reports
County Storm Advisories
For more information about preparing for and dealing with a tropical storm or hurricane, please visit the City's Hurricane Preparedness page. |
