ALLISON - Public and environmental health professionals are answering the call to help communities assess needs in areas affected by flooding.

In addition to deploying its own staff, the Iowa Department of Public Health is working with other states.

So far, state officials have received requests for assistance from Butler, Floyd and Linn counties. Teams supported by the Iowa Department of Public Health worked in those counties this past week, and out-of-state teams began arriving.

The assessment teams are coming in from Florida and North Carolina and will work directly with county officials. Other states also may assist as additional resources are requested.

"These assessments will help us define the scope and magnitude of specific public health needs within communities," said Tom Newton, director of the Iowa Department of Public Health. "This will allow us to best allocate appropriate and necessary resources to affected areas."

During the next few days, teams will visit communities and talk to residents to learn how the high water affected their lives and living conditions and what needs citizens have to ensure their health and safety.

Newton recognized the possibility individuals not associated with these teams may try to take advantage of residents.

"No one on these teams will ask for money or personal information such as Social Security numbers," he said. "Nor will they ask for donations or try to sell goods or services."

Iowans should look for identification such as ID badges and clothing that indicates affiliation with government public health or environmental health organizations.

For information, contact local public health departments.