MARIETTA - Although the storm is over, it is not business as usual for those who were affected by the floods in Cobb and Douglas counties last week.

"While many people are breathing a sigh of relief now that they can get back into their homes, we want them to be aware that even though the storm has passed, many hazards still exist," said Pam Blackwell, director of emergency preparedness and response at Cobb & Douglas Public Health.

A number of agencies and businesses are offering advice and seeking donations.

Here are tips from Cobb & Douglas Public Health to prevent illness and injuries:

* Stay away from damaged buildings or structures until they have been examined and certified as safe by a building inspector or other government authority.

* Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Don't use a generator, pressure washer, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home or near a window, door, or vent.

* To prevent mold growth, clean wet items and surfaces with detergent and water. To remove mold, mix one cup of bleach in one gallon of water, wash the item with the bleach mixture, scrub rough surfaces with a stiff brush, rinse the item with clean water, then dry it or leave it to dry. Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles when cleaning with bleach. Never mix bleach and ammonia. The fumes from the mixture could be deadly. Use fans and dehumidifiers and open doors and windows to remove moisture and get fresh air.

* Check and clean heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems before use.

* Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks and long-sleeved shirts, and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin.

* Call local authorities to handle animals. Get rid of dead animals according to local guidelines.

* Do not enter a building if you smell gas.

* Wear waterproof boots and gloves to avoid floodwater touching your skin. Wash your hands often.

For more detailed information please go to www. cobbanddouglaspublic health.org. or visit the CDC website at www.bt.cdc.gov/ disasters/floods/.

* Also, a Disaster Resource Center is now open in Austell for all who need assistance from FEMA, GEMA, Cobb EMA and other community resources. Residents can also reach FEMA by calling (800) 621-FEMA. The resource center is located at the library entrance of Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road, Austell. The center's phone number is (770) 499-4309. Cobb County also has a central Web page dedicated to flood disaster recovery information, where residents can find details including volunteering, road closures, emergency shelters, public safety and a field guide for cleaning up flood damaged homes. For more information, visit cobbcounty.org/flood.

Businesses donate; additional financial assistance sought

* The South Cobb High School Band Boosters is donating 50 percent of all proceeds raised from ticket sales for their annual benefit concert to a relief fund to help metro Atlanta flood victims.

The benefit concert will be conducted Friday at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre. "Who's Bad," a Michael Jackson tribute band, will be performing. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by going to www.southcobbband.org.

* Contributions for flood-damaged schools can be made to the Cobb Schools Foundation. Donate online by visiting cobbschoolsfoundation.org, clicking on "donate" and then selecting "area of greatest need." The foundation is also accepting monetary and gift card donations to Target, Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, Staples, Office Max and Office Depot. Checks and gift cards can be mailed to: Cobb Schools Foundation, Attn: Support Our Schools (SOS), 514 Glover St., Marietta, GA 30060.

* The Salvations Army and United Way are seeking donations.

The United Way is accepting donations to its Disaster Relief Fund, which will provide short and long-term recovery services to victims of the flood across the region. Funds raised will be distributed across the affected areas according to community needs. To make a donation, call United Way by dialing 211 or (404) 614-1000. You can also donate online at unitedwayatlanta.org. Checks should be sent to United Way in Cobb County Disaster Relief, 995 Roswell St., Suite 338, Marietta, GA 30060.

In addition to raising funds, United Way is assessing the volunteer needs of more than 1,900 nonprofits within their network. They are encouraging people to contact United Way 211 for volunteer opportunities. Companies who want to volunteer now can conduct food and/or paper drives (e.g., paper towels, toilet paper, diapers, etc). United Way will provide the location of a food pantry close to their business that is able to distribute the resources. For more information, visit unitedwayatlanta.org.

To make a monetary contribution to the Salvation Army, visit www.salvationarmyatlanta.org, call 1 (800) SAL-Army, or mail your check payable to The Salvation Army, Georgia Flood Relief, P.O. Box 49247, Atlanta, GA 30359.

Also, beginning today, The Salvation Army will expand its Disaster Assistance Centers operations to victims of the following flood-affected areas. Flood victims may visit their appropriate center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applicants must have a photo ID with proof of residence. Only one applicant may apply per household.

Locations include: (for Cobb and Paulding flood victims) Marietta Corps Community Center, 202 Waterman St. SE, in Marietta; (for Cherokee County Flood Victims) Canton Service Center, 121 Waleska St., in Canton.

* FedEx and Cox Enterprises, Inc., have donated a total of $300,000.

FedEx donated $25,000 to the Salvation Army in support of the organization's local relief efforts. The donation adds to the recent $100,000 FedEx donation to purchase a new Disaster Response Unit for The Salvation Army in Atlanta. Visit csr.fedex.com to find out more about FedEx disaster preparedness and relief initiatives.

Cox Enterprises, Inc. donated $175,000 Tuesday to three non-profit aid agencies to support flood recovery efforts in metro Atlanta.

Funds went to the Cox Employee Disaster Relief Fund ($75,000), the United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta's Disaster Relief Fund ($50,000) and the American Red Cross (Metro Atlanta) Disaster Relief Fund ($50,000).

* Give blood and receive a frightening good deal to Six Flags. Guests can give blood on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the main gate during the Fright Fest Blood Drive. Participants can also obtain a time slot by registering online at www.givelife.org. Donors will receive $20 off admission to Fright Fest, which takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from Oct. 2 through Nov. 1. The park is transformed into an eerie playground for ghosts and goblins.

The need for blood is constant and the American Red Cross is committed to continuing to provide blood and blood products to those in need at all times.