They may carry diseases. To keep raccoons, possums and squirrels away from entrances and trash cans, use moth balls and rags soaked with ammonia. Avoid placing dog or cat food outside. And close off dog and cat doors. If a bat flies in, put a coffee can over it and scoop it in with the lid.
Snakes are another potential danger.
When cleaning up outdoors, wear long, heavy pants and never put your hands or feet under debris. If a snake gets indoors, isolate it in a room and call the sheriff's department if you think it's poisonous. To repel rodents, remove garbage and set traps. This Environminute Disaster Advisory was brought to you by the Teresa and H. John Heinz III Foundation. For information on floods and indoor air issues, visit our Flood Waters Fact Sheet .