The State Health Department is taking steps to help Missourians who are returning home after having been displaced by the rising floodwaters. The Department has released a set of guidelines designed to assure the safety of people going back to their homes.

The guidelines suggest extra precautions be taken before and during clean-up efforts. Foundations, for instance, might be damaged by the floodwaters. And exposed wires that have been soaking in water might be dangerous.

The Health Department’s web site is also offering step-by-step clean-up instructions on food and water sanitation, electrical systems, carpet and rug cleaning furniture and household appliances, subfloors and walls. Information on mildew prevention and removing mildew from household articles is also available on the site.