The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) continues to respond to Hurricane Helene by coordinating with affected local health districts and partner agencies.
VDH, the local health districts and staff from the Medical Reserve Corps are staffing the Virginia Emergency Operations Center, the VDEM Regional Coordination Center and the Disaster Recovery Center. They have assisted with sheltering operations, mobile health services, water distribution centers, storm cleanup and drinking water testing.
VDH is providing information food safety, mold clean up, natural water safety, boil water instructions, well cleanup and safety, and post-storm cleanup.
Private Well Safety and Testing
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is offering free test kits for individuals who have residential private drinking water wells impacted by the recent flooding in Southwest Virginia. Any well submerged during the recent flooding event is likely to be contaminated, even if there is no apparent damage.
The free private well test kits are available to residents in the counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise and Wythe, and the City of Radford.
To qualify for testing, the well must first be disinfected and flushed (en español). VDH recommends having a well driller assist with this process. For those choosing to disinfect the well themselves, all safety precautions and instructions should be followed using these instructions.
Well users may call the VDH Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2) to request testing or fill out the survey using this link. The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Well users may pick up test kits Monday through Friday at a local health department or at designated Helene FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.
To qualify for testing, the well must first be disinfected and flushed (en español).
Virginia Department of Health
Private Well Bacteriological Sample Collection Instructions
Please read instructions completely before collecting your sample. Do not remove caps from sample bottle until you are ready to take the sample.
Instructions:
- Choose the faucet where you will collect the sample. VDH recommends using the cold water tap in the kitchen.
- Be sure the area around the faucet is clean, and all items are removed to minimize splashing.
- Do not remove the aerator on the faucet.
- Turn on the water and let is run for at least one (1) minute to flush out the pipes.
- While the water is running, wash your hands thoroughly to ensure there is no cross-contamination of the bacteria sample.
- Remove the cap from the sample bottle and fill the bottle just above the 100ml mark on the bottle when looking at the water line and the mark on the bottle at eye level.
- Replace cap when full.
- Return you sample kit to the nearest Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Center or local health department location within the Cumberland Plateau, LENOWISCO, Mount Rogers, or New River health districts
- Try to collect the sample in the afternoon, as close to when you will be dropping off samples as possible.
- Sample kits must be returned Monday through Thursday by 4:00 p.m. on the same day the sample is taken.
- Treat bottles with care! Samples will be rejected if it arrives in a bottle not provided in the kit, or if the bottle is broken or cracked.
- Fill out the location information on the submittal form.
Once the sample is dropped off at the local health department, the sample will then be shipped to the laboratory for analysis. Samples are to be shipped at room temperature by the local health department. It may take 2 to 3 days to receive test results. The local health department will contact you with the results.
Tests must be returned Monday through Thursday to the nearest Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Center or local health department location within the Cumberland Plateau, LENOWISCO, Mount Rogers, or New River health districts. Samples should be delivered to one of the available locations by 4 p.m. on the same day the sample is taken.
Private Drinking Water Well Safety and Testing FAQs
If my residential well was in the flooded area, is it safe to use?
If your well was inundated by flood waters, it should not be used for consumption until it has been disinfected, flushed, and tested.
Until your residential private well has been disinfected, flushed and tested, do not use the water for activities associated with consumption, including drinking, beverage and food preparation (including baby formula and juice), dishwashing, cleaning food contact surfaces, making ice or coffee, and brushing teeth. Parents are encouraged to closely monitor children who take a bath to avoid ingestion.
You can safely use the well water for bathing, toilet flushing, laundry, and other uses not associated with consumption or ingestion.
How do I know if I need to flush my residential well?
Visually inspect the well for obvious signs of damage, maintain a safe distance to avoid electrical shock from the well if the wellhead is flooded, buried, or clearly broken by fallen trees or branches. Observe the water at the tap for discoloration, odor, or sediment.
If your water is cloudy or muddy, the well and waterlines should be flushed until the water has cleared.
How can VDH help with my flooded well?
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is providing free testing of residential private drinking water wells impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Why is VDH offering free private residential well testing?
Private drinking water wells are vulnerable to flooding. Storm surges can destroy above ground well structures and damage well casings. This can allow contaminated water to enter wells. The water can also contaminate shallow aquifers and impact groundwater quality. The contamination may only have a short-term effect if localized and adequately flushed and treated but may also last after the flood waters have long receded.
Who is eligible for the free private residential well testing?
To be eligible for free testing, you must have a private residential well impacted by flooding and be located in the following localities: counties of Bland, Buchanan, Carroll, Dickenson, Floyd, Giles, Grayson, Lee, Montgomery, Pulaski, Russell, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe, and the City of Radford.
The well must also be disinfected and flushed. The local health department can assist users in how to assess their well and provide guidance on flushing and disinfection.
What will VDH ask, if I request well testing?
VDH has developed an online survey for well users impacted by Hurricane Helene.
VDH is asking well users if their well was flooded or damaged, providing information on well disinfection and flushing, and asking if they have an interest in getting their well tested.
How do I request a test kit to test my private, residential well?
Well users may call the VDH Call Center at 877-829-4682 (Option 2) to request testing or fill out the survey using this link. The VDH Call Center is available Monday–Friday (except holidays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Well users may pick up test kits Monday through Friday at a local health department or at designated Helene FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers.
To qualify for testing, the well must first be disinfected and flushed (en español).
How do I disinfect and flush my well?
VDH recommends having a well driller assist with this process. For those choosing to disinfect the well themselves, all safety precautions and instructions should be followed using these instructions (en español).
Who takes the sample at my residence?
Well users may take the sample or request that their local health department assist them.
How is the test conducted?
The test is simply filling the container provided in the test kit with water from the most frequently used point for drinking in the home (typically the kitchen faucet). Well users will be provided with instructions on how to collect the sample with the test kit.
Who is analyzing the sample?
VDH will be sending the samples to Virginia’s Department of General Services Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS).
What are they testing for?
The kits will include the tools necessary to collect samples for testing for total coliform and E.coli. Test results will only indicate if the well is contaminated for total coliform or E. coli.
What is total coliform?
Total coliforms are a group of bacteria that are commonly found in soil, vegetation, and the intestines of mammals, including humans. They are used as an indicator of water quality and the sanitary condition of a water supply. While total coliforms are usually not harmful, their presence indicates that the water may be contaminated by more harmful microorganisms.
What is E .coli?
E. coli is a type of coliform. Most E. coli are harmless and are part of a healthy intestinal tract. E. coli help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from harmful germs. But some E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses.
Where do I return the sample for analysis?
Tests must be returned Monday through Thursday to the nearest Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery Center or local health department location within the Cumberland Plateau, LENOWISCO, Mount Rogers, or New River health districts. Samples should be delivered to one of the available locations by 4 p.m. on the same day the sample is taken.
How will I receive my test results?
Health department staff will call you with the test results. They will also either mail you a hard copy of the results or hand deliver a hard copy.
When will I receive results?
The test results should be ready in 2 to 3 days after the sample is submitted.
Your well water might not be safe to drink from after a natural disaster. Floods and hurricanes can contaminate your water supply. Learn how you can protect your private well here.
Private Well Information Sheet
Safeguarding Your Well & Septic System Against Flooding Hazards
Shock Chlorination (en español)
For more information on private wells or septic systems, contact your local health department.
Clinician Information and Resources
Baxter IV Fluid Disruption
- Disruption in Production of intravenous (IV) Fluid due to Impacts from Hurricane Helene- Update #3
- Disruption in Production of Intravenous (IV) Fluid Due to Impacts from Hurricane Helene—Update #2
- Fact Sheet: HHS Continues Taking Action to Increase Access and Supply of IV Fluids Following Hurricane Helene
- Small- and Large-Volume Fluid Shortages Suggestions for Management and Conservation
- Use a saline lock where possible over routine spiking of IV solutions for minor procedures.
- Limit placement of IV/irrigation fluids in a warmer unless for immediate use to avoid expiring product.
- Avoid pre-spiking IV and irrigation fluids.
- Add a “fluid needs” review to the multi-day look ahead process for surgical areas.
- Review IV fluid and medication compatibility before spiking bags.
- Leverage non-titratable medication infusing above 20ml/hr. as carriers in place of dedicated KVO.
- Print applicable drip rounds reports and review medication infusions for appropriateness and/or opportunity to discontinue to decrease rates.
- Transition to 10ml saline flush syringes for initial patency check, when possible.
- Conserve larger volume bags by using mini bags for blood product administration when appropriate.
- Implement strategies to encourage IV push-over IV infusion.
- Utilize premixed medications to offset the need to compound medications.
- Consider IV/PO thiamine in lieu of “banana bags”; Bariatric patients – consider IV thiamine.
- Convert to saline lock when patient tolerates PO fluids.
- Utilize oral electrolyte alternatives for those with functional GI tract (Phosphate, magnesium, potassium).
- CDC Health Advisory
- Letter to Health Care Leaders and Stakeholders on Impacts of Hurricane Helene from Secretary Becerra
- USFDA Baxter's Manufacturing Recovery in NC
- Baxter Hurricane Helene Updates
- Update on Disruption in Production of Intravenous (IV) Fluid Due to Impacts from Hurricane Helene
- FDA Round Up -- October 11, 2024
- Dialysis Management and Conservation
- Products authorized for temporary importation
- Expiration Dating Extensions
- Temporary Policies for Compounding Certain Parenteral Drug Products
Post-Storm Safety Information
Free Tetanus & Hepatitis A vaccines are currently available through the Mount Rogers Health District all local health departments. On Monday, October 7, health department staff will return to the Damascus Food City parking lot, and Taylors Valley to provide free vaccines on site.
The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery. The vaccines are available for free at all health departments in Cumberland Plateau (Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell) and in LENOWISCO (Lee, Scott, Wise) during regular business hours, Monday-Friday.
Floodwaters can cause #mold growth in your home. Mold can damage property & is a health hazard. Proper cleaning is necessary to protect you & your family. Check out our mold advisory page for more info about mold cleanup & prevention.
8 Steps to Clean Up Mold (en español)
Shopping List for Cleaning Mold in Your Home (en español)
Homeowner and Renter's Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters (en español)
It is important to take careful precautions to ensure food safety after a power outage. Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture. Just remember, “When in doubt, throw it out!”
Here are basic tips for keeping food safe following a power outage or flooding. (en español)
Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (en español)
The Virginia Department of Health advises the public to avoid natural water bodies across the commonwealth after Tropical Cyclone Helene. During heavy rainfall and flooding, pollution and debris from the land washes into rivers, lakes and streams and eventually winds up in our coastal waterways.
To stay safe all Virginians should follow the safety tips here.
After a storm has passed, failure to remove contaminated materials from your home can cause health risks. If there is flooding along with a storm, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) advises homeowners that water must be removed as quickly as possible since it may contain material from overflowing sewage systems. Visit our post-storm clean up page for more information
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is poisonous to breathe. Deadly levels of carbon monoxide can quickly build up when the exhaust from grills or generators is not properly vented. The gas emitted by these sources can linger for hours, even after the generator or grill has shut off. Operate all gasoline-powered devices such as generators outdoors and never bring them indoors.
VDH recommends these precautions to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Natural disasters can make it hard for parents and caregivers to feed their infants and young children safely. These tips provide information for feeding your young child during an emergency.
Infant Feeding FAQs (en español)
Breastfeeding During Disasters
Boil Water Advisories
No Current Advisories
For more information about public water or public sewer, contact the owner of the utility that provides that service to you (e.g., the utility that sends you a monthly water/sewer bill).
If under a boil water advisory, residents can safely use the water supply for bathing, toilet flushing, laundry, and other uses not associated with consumption or ingestion.
Do not use the water for activities associated with consumption, including drinking, beverage and food preparation (including baby formula and juice), dishwashing, cleaning food contact surfaces, making ice or coffee, and brushing teeth. Parents are encouraged to closely monitor children who take a bath to avoid ingestion at this time.
Drinking and cooking
Use commercially bottled water or boiled water for drinking and to prepare and cook food.
Breastfeeding is the best option for feeding an infant. If you feed your child formula, provide ready-to-use formula if possible.
Handwashing
In many cases, you can use tap water and soap to wash your hands during a boil water advisory. Follow the advice from your local officials.
Bathing and showering
There is no need to boil water for bathing or showering. Adults, teens, and older children, can shower or bathe, though they should avoid getting water in the mouth or swallowing the water. Use caution when bathing infants and young children. Consider giving them a sponge bath to reduce the chance of them swallowing water.
However, care should be taken to prevent water from getting into deep open or post-surgical wounds. Consult your physician or health care provider for wound care instructions.
Brushing teeth
Brush your teeth using boiled water or commercially bottled water. Do not use tap water that you have not boiled first.
Washing dishes
If possible, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils during a boil water advisory.
Sanitize all baby bottles.
Dishwashers are generally safe to use if they have a sanitizing cycle or reach a final rinse temperature of at least 150°F (66°C). Check the manual or contact the manufacturer to find out what temperature your dishwater reaches.
To wash dishes by hand:
- Wash and rinse the dishes as you normally would using hot water.
- In a separate basin, add 1 teaspoon of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of warm water.
- Soak the rinsed dishes in the water for at least one minute.
- Let the dishes air dry completely before using them again.
Laundry
It is safe to wash clothes as usual.
Cleaning
Clean washable toys and surfaces with:
- Commercially bottled water,
- Boiled water, or
- Water that has been disinfected with bleach
Caring for pets
Give pets commercially bottled water or boiled water that has cooled. Pets can get sick from some of the same germs as people or spread germs to people.
Caring for your garden and houseplants
You can use tap water for houseplants and gardens, including watering plants you eat.
After an emergency, your tap water may not be available or safe to use. Use bottled, boiled, or treated water to avoid getting sick. Boiling is the best way to kill germs in water.
If your residence is under a boil water advisory, do not use that water to drink, wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
Instead, use bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.
Steps for boiling water
If the water is cloudy, first filter it through a clean cloth, paper towel, or coffee filter. Another option is to let it settle. Then, draw off the clear water and follow the steps below.
- Bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute (at elevations above 6,500 feet, boil for 3 minutes).
- Let the boiled water cool.
- Store the boiled water in clean, sanitized containers with tight covers.
Watch a video of these instructions here.
In an emergency situation where regular water service has been interrupted – like a hurricane, flood, or water pipe breakage – local authorities may recommend using only bottled water, boiled water, or disinfected water until regular water service is restored. These instructions show you how to boil and disinfect water to kill most disease-causing microorganisms that may be present in the water. However, boiling or disinfection will not destroy other contaminants, such as heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals.
For More Info:
VDH Call Center
877-829-4682
(Option 2)
Monday–Friday
(no holidays)
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Federal Assistance
www.DisasterAssistance.gov
800-621-FEMA (3362)
FEMA App
News Releases
- Virginia Department of Health Offers Free Testing for Private Wells Impacted by Recent Flood (en español)
- Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Guidance During Boil Water Notices
- Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Safety Tips for Private Wells and Septic Systems
- Mount Rogers Health District Offers Free Tetanus and Hepatitis A Vaccines
- LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Free Tdap Vaccines
- Virginia Department of Health’s Southwest Health Districts Offer Tips to Prevent Injuries and Foodborne Illness
- Virginia Department of Health Advises Virginians to Avoid Natural Water Bodies After Tropical Cyclone Helene
- Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Virginia’s Federal Emergency Declaration Has Been Approved to Aid Recovery Efforts in Southwest Virginia