jONline

An electronic newsletter from Senator Jon Erpenbach – 6-27-08

Wisconsin Emergency Management – Many parts of Wisconsin are still reeling from recent flooding. While many highways are open, local roads still may have closures. With Dane, Rock, and Green County among the counties eligible for FEMA relief, residents and businesses should have already made initial contact with FEMA representatives. If you have not made initial contact with FEMA please do so as soon as possible. CALL:  1-800-621-FEMA (3362). For complete information on the flood of 2008 visit the Wisconsin Department of Emergency website at http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/ .

Mold Cleanup Serious Concern – Even if you only had slight water damage in your home, please make sure that cleanup is completed and that all affected areas are dry and sanitized or you may be facing mold issues in your home. Water-damaged rooms are moist environments ideal for mold to flourish. People with respiratory problems such as allergies or asthma should not spend time in houses that might contain mold. Mold often is visible as a fuzzy growth or discoloration on surfaces. It usually has a musty, earthy odor. Those sensitive to mold spores may experience wheezing, difficulty breathing, nasal and sinus congestion, burning and watering eyes, dry cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or skin irritation. For more information on clean up visit this website: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm

Specialists offer the following suggestions to ensure safe, effective cleanup:

• Have professionals check heating/cooling ducts and wall insulation for mold growth. If the system has mold inside, it will spread mold throughout the house.

• Wash all items that came in contact with floodwaters with a chlorine bleach solution.

• Open windows for ventilation and wear boots, rubber gloves and clothing that fully covers arms and legs, and use an N-95 rated mask.

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.

• Mix no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water.

• Most antiseptics, including chlorine, are toxic to humans -- rinse the skin quickly and well if there is accidental contact with the solution.

• Remember, chlorine bleach is no longer is effective after the chlorine smell disappears.

• Use a fan in front of open windows or doors to help with the drying process, but it is important that fans blow outward, rather than inward, to avoid spreading the mold.

• Throw away all moldy items that cannot be thoroughly cleaned. If in doubt, throw it out. This includes carpets, mattresses, upholstered furniture, stuffed animals, pillows, wall coverings and all paper products.

• Take out any drywall or insulation that has been dampened by floodwater.

• If there is more than a 10-square-foot area of mold in a building, consider using a professional mold cleanup contractor.

Mosquito Concerns – Flooding has brought an extreme number of mosquitoes. While “flood mosquitoes” are not known to transport West Nile virus, the amount of stagnant water in your yard is likely very high. Mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water are known to transport West Nile. Make sure standing water areas are drained. Common areas of standing water include buckets, birdbaths, tires, and clogged rain gutters. Take steps to protect your family - use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (less than 10 percent DEET for children).

Dane County Executive and Board Propose Smoking Ordinance – Dane County Board with the support of Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk have proposed a smoking ordinance, similar to the current Madison rule, for all of Dane County’s unincorporated areas. On the heels of passage of smoking ordinances in Fitchburg and Monona, supporters say this would level the playing field for all of Dane County regarding smoking in public places. For more information contact Supervisor Mark Opitz at 332-7890.

Senators Erpenbach and Ellis Receive Scales of Justice Award – For their tireless work on meaningful campaign finance reform, Senator Erpenbach and Senator Ellis have received a “Scales of Justice” award from the State Bar of Wisconsin.