News media — The health department is RESCINDING the current health advisory for the area listed below. This is a highly dynamic situation varying by tide, current, and wind changes/direction and we expect to frequently give and rescind advisories along our beaches. Please see details in the news release below. Thanks! Molly
Escambia County Health Department
Pensacola, Florida
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 25, 2010 0750 CDT HA003
MEDIA CONTACT:
Molly Payne-Hardin, desk (850) 595-6410, cell (850) 791-1604
Health advisory rescinded for portion of beach
PENSACOLA — Effective immediately, the Escambia County (FL) Health Department is rescinding the health advisory issued on June 23, 2010 for the following beach waters in Escambia County, Florida, that were affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill:
Public Walkover 23 at Pensacola Beach west to the entrance of Ft. Pickens
Health officials are working with the National Parks Service to determine if the health advisory for the beaches of Ft. Pickens and Johnson Beach can also be lifted today.
“This is a highly dynamic situation varying by tide, current, and wind changes/direction,” said health department director Dr. John Lanza. “We expect to frequently give and rescind advisories along our beaches.”
The health department is rescinding its health advisory now that government officials verify that there is no oil sheen or oil slick observed in the water from the high water mark out to 100 yards from shore. Officials continue to recommend that beachgoers avoid contact with tar balls. However, if an individual’s skin comes into contact with tar:
1.) Wash with soap and large amounts of water. Health officials discourage the use of gasoline, kerosene or other solvents to clean oil from skin.
2.) If tar is not removed with soap and water, scrape off the excess tar from your skin and apply a grease removing agent – such as a liquid grease-fighting dish detergent — or mineral oil. Rinse your skin with large amounts of fresh water.
3.) Remove contaminated clothing.
4.) If symptoms or irritation occur, call a physician.
Government officials continue to monitor the water for impact from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
For more information contact:
o Escambia County Health Department at (850)595-6700 and www.EscambiaHealth.com
o Escambia County Citizen’s Information Line at 471-6600 from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CDT (Monday – Sunday) or www.escambiadisasterresponse.com
o Florida Oil Spill Information Line at (888)337-3569
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