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For some weeks following the flood, extra work was thrown
upon my Department in numerous ways, e.g., the flooring of many
houses had to be taken up and, in some cases, renewed. The
Disinfectors were particularly busy.
I am assured by my Staff that they were only too pleased to
be in a position to be able to help the sufferers concerned, and
that what extra work and inconvenience they were put to was
amply compensated for by the gratitude of the people for the
alleviation of their distress, and by the thanks of the Council for
their efforts in this respect. When all members gave of their
best, I am not in a position to individualize as to the efforts made
by any one member.
May I add, in conclusion, that the Public Health Staff are
thankful that none of the serious after-effects which were possible
have actually occurred.
F. GARLAND COLLINS,
Medical Officer of Health.
8th March, 1928.
Posters and Leaflets issued as follows:—
The Recent Flooding of Houses and Public Health.
All possible steps are being taken by the Local Authority to
alleviate the distress caused by the flood, and to provide for the
sick. Meanwhile, DO NOT FORGET:—
1—Fires help to dry up damp rooms, but a through current of
air is better. Remove all linoleum and carpets from damp
floors, open wide every window (unless raining), every door,
and keep them open all day.
2—Keep your beds as far as possible from wet walls.
3—Be sure your stockings and boots are dry.
4—All drains and sinks should be cleansed daily with water, containing
disinfectant (about two tablespoonsful of the disinfectant
supplied, to about a pint of water).
5—Every case of serious illness occurring in any house which has
been flooded, should, if possible, be removed to hospital.
6—Medical advice should be sought promptly for every case of
Measles or Whooping Cough which may occur.
7—Every expectant or nursing mother in the affected areas should
at once seek advice from her own doctor, or from the Medical
Officer of Health.
8—Disinfectants can be obtained free of charge from the Town
Hall, West Ham, E.15; Public Hall, Barking Road, E.16;
Fen Street Baths, Tidal Basin, E.16; Public Baths, Silvertown,
E.16; The Fire Station, Silvertown.
F. GARLAND COLLINS,
Medical Officer of Health.
Town Hall, West Ham, E.15.
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