Flooding health safety tips

Flooding can present health hazards associated with sewage system back flow, power outages and food storage. Here are some safety ti

•Do not allow children (or anyone) to play in flooded areas. Drowning is the No. 1 cause of flood deaths. Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

•Do not drive through a flooded area.

•Before entering a flooded area of a home, turn off the electricity. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires.

•If the electricity is out, use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns. Do not use candles, gas lanterns or torches because gas lines may be broken and an explosion could occur

•Refrigerated foods such as meat or milk or foodstuffs that contain them should be discarded if the inside temperature of the refrigerator has risen above 41 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours.

•Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, make ice or brush teeth.

•Wear boots and rubber gloves to reduce contact with contaminated water.

•Wash hands with warm soapy water, especially before preparing or eating food.

•If you come into contact with floodwater and have a puncture wound or deep cut, get a tetanus shot.

•Seek medical attention for severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, muscle aches and fevers.

•With the electricity off, a fully stocked freezer will keep food frozen for 24 hours if the door remains closed. Food in the refrigerator will stay cool for four to six hours depending on how warm the kitchen is.

•Carefully examine all canned and bottled goods that have come in contact with floodwater. Tin cans of food are usually safe if undamaged. Immerse them for 10 minutes in a solution of a quarter cup of laundry bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse and dry thoroughly before opening. Discard cans with rust spots or dents.

•Discard containers with cork-lined lids or caps, screw tops or pop tops.

•Flooded indoor areas must be scrubbed with warm soapy water. Pay particular attention to counter tops, pantry shelves, refrigerators, stoves, cutting boards and areas where small children play. Rinse with a solution made by adding half a cup of laundry bleach to each gallon of water.

•All affected linens and clothing should be washed in hot water and dried, or dry-cleaned if not washable.

•Anyone with concerns about the quality of well water is advised to call the health department for testing. If in doubt about the quality of water from a private well, use bottled water for drinking, cooking and dishwashing. If bottled water isn't available, water can be made safe by bringing it to a rolling boil for five minutes.

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