UTICA, Ind. (WDRB) -- The water from the Ohio River is beginning to recede and people in the town of Utica are gearing up to cleanup. 

"I'm going to have to clean up yard debris and branches," said Perry Smith who lives along 4th Street. "Everybody else's trash got into the fence."

On Thursday, Smith said he has lived in Utica his entire life, and this is his third time cleaning up after significant flooding.

"Probably have to wear rubber gloves, bleach, detergent, probably wash everything," he said.

Many residents are anxious to get back in their homes after having to evacuate because of flooding. However, Clark County Health officials encourage people to use extreme caution before returning home.

Clark County Health Officer Dr. Eric Yazel said there is a possibility that the homes may be contaminated from the flood waters.

He said stagnant water harbors different types of bacteria and viruses and it is a breeding ground for mold, which can cause respiratory issues and other health concerns.

Yazel said it is important to wear protective gear, and frequent handwashing is a must.

"You don't know," said Yazel. "People have no idea what is inside their homes right now. Anything could have been washed up. Protecting yourself is a good idea. We know there's going to be a lot of scrapes, cuts, bruises."

Clark County will offer nursing resources and mobile resources to help with minor injuries during clean up.

It is also important to document the condition of your home during the cleanup efforts, Yazel said. That means taking pictures before cleanup, during cleanup and after cleanup. This will help with insurance claims or federal funding.

"As you are looking to get support, the more you document the better," said Yazel.

Most important, Yazel said don't be afraid to use resources that have been made available by the county.

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