Hurricane Idalia cleanup begins. Safety tips from mold to tetanus

Idalia left a trail of destruction after it made landfall Wednesday along Florida's Big Bend.

The storm made landfall at 7:45 a.m. near Keaton Beach as a Category 3 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 125 mph.

More than 200,000 people in Florida were left without electricity Wednesday.

Idalia's landfall caused tide levels to surge in Cedar Key and surrounding areas. The Steinhatchee River showed levels well above flood stage and thousands around the state are now dealing with flood waters.

Here's a guide to useful information provided by the Florida Department of Health as residents begin the road to recovery.

The State Assistance Information Line at 800-342-3557 can provide additional resources for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-to-date information regarding emergencies.

The Florida Department of Health updates a list of areas where boil water notices are in effect.

All health insurers, managed care organizations, and other health entities must fill early prescription requests in the event the governor declares a state of emergency, to comply with provisions of section 252.358, Florida Statutes.

This mandate remains in effect until the governor’s executive order is rescinded or expires.

Executive order 23-171 says it will expire 60 days from the day it was signed Aug. 26, 2023, unless it's further extended.

Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency exists in the following counties: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hemando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, and Wakulla counties.

Portable generators produce high levels of carbon monoxide very quickly. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless and tasteless gas that can be deadly.

Do not use a generator in your garage. Use all gas-powered or charcoal-burning equipment outside and at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, vents, and air intakes.

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 or the Florida Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.

Looking to buy a generator?From types to cost, here are 7 things you should know

Power outage tracker: Find out how widespread outages are at any given time

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration offered the following food safety suggestions to follow after a storm:

Power still out from Hurricane Idalia?You can grill these frozen foods during a power outage

Moisture that enters buildings from leaks or flooding accelerates the growth of mold.

Mold can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the storm. As you clean up, wear personal protective equipment such as N-95 masks, goggles, protective gloves, and rubber boots.

Here's what you should do:

After the flood:Did your home or car get flooded from Hurricane Idalia? Here's what to do now

If your well is affected by flood waters, there may be disease-causing organisms in your water making it unsafe to drink. The Florida Department of Health recommends you do one of the following:

After flooding: Learn about testing your well water. You can also have your water tested by a certified laboratory for coliform bacteria.

If you have a septic tank at your home and your plumbing is slow or sluggish:

Flooding and electrical outages can impact sewer systems.

Everyone cleaning up after a storm should make sure their tetanus vaccination is current. Adults need a booster shot every 10 years to maintain protection. Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection that can affect your ability to breathe and may be life-threatening.

Commonly nicknamed the "flesh-eating" bacteria, Vibrio vulnificus can be found in raw or undercooked seafood, saltwater, and brackish water. These bacteria typically grow faster during warmer months and flooding may increase bacteria levels.

Vibrio vulnificus can invade the bloodstream, causing a severe life-threatening illness with symptoms such as fever, chills, decreased blood pressure (septic shock), and skin lesions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or wound infections, seek medical attention immediately.

The risk for injury is increased during and after a natural disaster. Floodwaters and standing waters pose several risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection.

USA TODAY and USA TODAY Network sites across the Southeast are providing free news coverage, public safety information and resource guides for Tropical Storm Idalia.

Here's a list of more information about the storm and how to stay safe.