In response to general health concerns in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the Department of Health and Senior Services opened a toll-free Public Health Call Center to provide callers with information about prevention and treatment of mold, disposal of spoiled food due to power outages and water concerns.

"We have opened this hotline for the public because we recognize that this event is not over and many New Jerseyans are still working to clean up their homes and businesses in the aftermath of flooding," said Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary O'Dowd.

To reach health experts in the Public Health Information Call Center, the toll free number is:  1-866-234-0964.

The call center will be open from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Friday and during the weekend and Labor Day Monday from 10 am to 5 pm.

The call center is being staffed by health experts from the Department’s Division of Epidemiology, Environmental and Occupational Health who can answer questions about prevention/treatment of mold growth in flooded homes and businesses, disposal of food spoiled as a result of power outages and concerns about water that needs to be treated to make it safe for drinking and other uses.