By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Following the severe storm that damaged much of Great Bend July 16, Barton County Health Director Karen Winkelman reached out to her staff with three messages. First, was to make sure the health department staff was fine and to check to see if they needed any help. Secondly, Winkelman informed the staff to show up to work at 8 a.m. the following day to develop a plan for deployment to assist the community. Finally, she told everyone to wear jeans because it was going to be “all hands on deck” through the storm damage.
Winkelman said the
Barton County Health Department responded well, both veteran staff and younger
staff, handling wellness checks throughout the community.
"One new staff said her career was at a stale place and she wanted to make a difference," said Winkelman. "She had a grin on her face, as she had her backpack on, basically said 'let's go.' This is what public health really is."
Winkelman said the storm, with electricity shutting down for long periods of
time for some citizens, was a good reminder on food preservation. If the doors
remain closed, food that needs to be refrigerated can generally last up to four
hours in your refrigerator without power.
"In a full freezer, food can last most likely 48 hours," said Winkelman. "A half-full freezer, most likely 24 hours. If ice crystals start to develop, or the food is starting to thaw in the freezer, it's best to get it prepared right away and use it right away. If you can't, then most likely it will need to be destroyed."
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment overnighted the Barton County
Health Department 100 free doses of tetanus vaccination to distribute to
residents. While supplies last, free Tdap shots are available for anyone that
suffered an injury during the storm or while cleaning up the damage.