DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

• Don’t put repellent on small children’s hands since it mayirritate their mouths or eyes.• Get rid of “standing water” sources around yard and homesince they are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.• The CDC says Vitamin B and “ultrasonic” devices areNOT effective in preventing mosquito bites!There is a growing concern about mosquitoes and other vectors spreadingdiseases or being used as “bioterrorism”, but we’re only listing West NileVirus for now due to space. Always listen to health officials for informationon mosquito-borne and other types of infections.For more information visit CDC NCID’s Division of Vector-BorneInfectious Diseases at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid ..or.. Public HealthAgency of Canada’s Infectious Diseases at www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/id-mi/SEA CRITTER (MARINE LIFE) STINGSThere are just too many types of sea critters in our oceans and seas so wecan’t cover all the various kinds of stings and bites that could happen, buta few common stings are shown here. To learn about specific types of seacritters (marine life), check with your local library or on the Internet.Things to watch for…Puncture marks or tentacles on the skinPain or burningSwelling or red marksPossible Allergic Reaction - Pain, itching, hives, rednessor discoloration at site, trouble breathing, signs ofshock (pale, cold, drowsy, etc.)What to do…• Rinse skin - use seawater, vinegar, ammonia, or alcohol(in whatever form is handy - rubbing alcohol or booze.)Fresh water might make it hurt worse.• DO NOT rub skin - it could make it worse!• Try to remove any tentacles attached to skin, if possible…but DO NOT use bare hands… use a towel or tweezers.• Soak sting or make a paste (below) to help relieve pain:tropical jellyfish - soak area in vinegarstingray or stonefish - soak area in hot water• Cover sting with sterile bandage or gauze, or clean cloth.• Call local emergency number, if necessary.www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325165