The some 200 families displaced by area flooding are not the only ones.

Animals and insects have also been uprooted, and residents are urged to be aware of the bugs and protect themselves during clean-up.

Health officials say residents should also be on the look-out for snakes.

Health officials say there's an increased number of snakes visible because they're searching for higher ground after the Suwannee River flooded the area more than two weeks ago.
Dowling Park resident Edgar Melton said, "They say if it's a poisonous snake you should cut across and suck the blood out and spit it out."

Health officials say that's exactly what you should NOT do.

Experts also say: do not apply ice or immense a snake bite in water, do not drink alcohol as a pain killer, and do not drink caffeinated beverages.

Signs of a snake bite include: a pair of puncture marks at the wound, redness and swelling around the bite, severe pain at the site of the bite, nausea and vomiting, labored breathing (in extreme cases, breathing may stop altogether), disturbed vision, increased salivation and sweating, and numbness or tingling around your face and/or limbs.

Local residents say they've spotted snakes in the area lately.

But, health officials say toxins and bacteria also lurk in floodwaters.

Residents and first responders who get cut, scratched, or punctured while cleaning up debris associated with the flood can get a tetanus shot and/or Hepatitis A immunizations at the Suwannee County Health Department for free.

Dowling Park resident Lenny Sapp said, "I think that's a good idea. Just like my house it was about two feet under water. It's going down. My dad's out there now stripping carpet out and whatever else he can throw right out the door."

Health officials say keep wounds clean, covered, and dry to help prevent infection.

For more information on how to prevent and treat wounds and infections, as well as tips on what to do if you're bitten by a snake, how to prevent and treat fire ant stings and bites: visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/Zoonoses/Rodent Zoonoses.html.

The preliminary damage report from all that flooding has been released for Suwannee County.

It shows 37 homes have been damaged in the area and 18 homes are totally destroyed and 17 homes have minor damage.

The report says 140 are inaccessible.

Officials estimate the total damage to county roads and public property comes to $250,000.

Florida and local emergency management officials announce that an Essential Services Center will open Wednesday, April 22, in Live Oak to help survivors of the recent severe weather and floods.

The Center is designed as a one-stop shop where local residents can receive information on recovery activities, state and local services, and connect to faith and community––based relief organizations.

The center will operate from the hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until further notice.

The location: Suwannee County Emergency Operations Center 617 Ontario Avenue, SW Suite 200 Live Oak, Florida 32064
386-364-3405

For additional information please visit FloridaDisaster.org.