09/01/2026
Franklin County Health Department – Flood Response & Recovery Update
As our community continues recovering from the recent flooding, the Franklin County Health Department wants residents to know that we are here, we are working alongside our community partners, and our work will continue throughout the recovery process!
Over the past several weeks, Health Department staff have been assisting with a variety of public health needs related to the flood, including:
• Donating shampoo and deodorant to the Town of Brookville for residents utilizing the pool showers
• Providing hygiene kits, gloves, masks, hand sanitizer, and other supplies to Franklin County EMA
• Answering flood-related questions and calls from residents
• Sharing important flood recovery and public health information through our social media page
• Ordering and administering TDAP, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B vaccinations
• Conducting visits to flood-impacted areas through our Health Officer
• Working with the District 9 Healthcare Coalition and Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) regarding mold, private wells, mosquito/vector concerns, and other environmental health issues
• Coordinating with neighboring counties that have offered vector-control assistance if mosquito concerns require additional resources
On August 22, Health Department staff also held a pop-up TDAP vaccination clinic at the Metamora Fire Department, providing vaccinations to 12 residents.
As the immediate emergency response transitions into long-term recovery, some of the public health concerns may change. The Franklin County Health Department will continue working with IDOH, EMA, and our other partners to provide residents with reliable information and connect families with the appropriate resources.
💧 PRIVATE WELLS & FLOOD WATER
If your private drinking water well was affected by floodwater, please use extra caution.
IDOH advises that if a well casing is/was submerged in floodwater, DO NOT use the water. Once floodwaters recede, wells may need to be properly disinfected/chlorinated.
After a well has been disinfected, the water should be tested for bacteria before returning to normal use. Until a satisfactory laboratory result is received, water used for drinking or food preparation should first be boiled or otherwise properly treated. Water safety cannot be determined simply by how the water looks, smells, or tastes.
🦟 MOSQUITOES / STANDING WATER
Residents should continue eliminating standing water around their homes whenever possible. The Health Department is working with IDOH, the District 9 Healthcare Coalition, and neighboring counties regarding vector-control needs as recovery continues.
🏠 MOLD CONCERNS
Residents dealing with mold or water-damaged homes should use appropriate personal protective equipment during cleanup and seek professional assistance when conditions are extensive or unsafe. Our Health Department is continuing to distribute guidance and resources received from IDOH rather than conducting residential mold inspections.
📞 NEED HELP OR RESOURCES?
➡️ Call 2-1-1 to be connected with available disaster and community resources.
➡️ Contact the Franklin County Health Department with public health questions related to the flooding.
➡️ Continue following this page as we share additional information from IDOH and our emergency-response partners regarding wells, mold, mosquitoes, vaccinations, and other recovery concerns.
Recovery does not end when the water goes down. The Franklin County Health Department will continue working to help protect the health and safety of our residents throughout this process.
