Emergency Planning Expert Provides Safety Tips for Flood Victims

Newswise — Newswise — Mike Thomas, MPH, associate director of Saint Louis University’s Heartland Center for Public Health Preparedness, is available to talk about the short- and long-term health implications of the flood for volunteers and homeowners.

Thomas, who also serves in an advisory role as planning section chief for St. Louis City’s Emergency Management Agency, is currently working with the City to prepare for the flood.

Thomas is able to talk about both the “macro” issues (i.e., how entire communities will be affected by the flood and what they should be doing to prepare) and “micro” issues (i.e., safety precautions flood volunteers and homeowners should take and how to properly remove mold in your home).

One of Thomas’ biggest concerns today is personal family preparedness. He says families who are at risk for flooding should be packing up essential items such as medications, personal identification and important records. They should be making plans for their pets and how they will communicate with family should they have to evacuate.