DHSS Press Release |
Date: May 15, 2008 DHSS-47-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FLOOD RECOVERY HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS
Flooding Clean Up Can Present a Variety of Health and Safety Challenges
Delaware - Floodwaters can dislodge tanks, drums, pipes and equipment which may contain hazardous materials such as pesticides or propane. Do not attempt to move unidentified dislodged containers without first contacting the local fire department or hazardous materials team (911). Wash skin that may have been exposed to pesticides and other hazardous chemicals frequently and thoroughly. Call a poison control center for additional instructions.
Wear protective gear and clothing, such as heavy shoes or boots, work gloves and safety glasses or goggles to help avoid accidental puncture wounds, cuts, abrasions, eye injuries and chemical exposure. Wear a hard hat when working under structures and trees. Select cool clothing that is cotton and tightly knit; long-sleeved shirts and full-length pants are recommended.
Assure proper ventilation when using fuel-burning equipment. Fuel-burning devices in closed areas create a great risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelled, and can be life threatening. Provide plenty of ventilation when using a gas-powered pump for flooded basements or a gas-powered generator for electricity. Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors.
Turn off the main gas valve at the meter if you smell leaking gas. Do not turn on lights or use torches or lanterns since they can ignite the gas. Leave the premises immediately and notify the gas company or the fire department.
Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse, and then sanitize by using a solution of one cup of unscented, liquid bleach with nine cups of water. Keep out of reach of children. Allow to air dry.
MOLD
Flooding is a leading cause of mold growth in homes. DPH offers the following recommendations to head off this growing problem:
Open doors and windows or use blowers to force fresh air in and encourage drying.
Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected, such as wallcoverings, rugs and drywall.
Run dehumidifiers and empty the water pan frequently.
After water has been pumped from the basement, shovel out the mud and debris while it is still moist. Hose down walls to remove as much silt as possible before it dries. Floors and walls may need sanitizing, particularly if sewage has entered the basement. Scrub walls and floors with the bleach solution described above or other comparable commercially available disinfectant.
Oil stains in basements caused by overturned or damaged oil tanks may be a problem following flooding. Call a professional to remove oil residue.
Dealing with garbage and sewage can be challenging. If toilets aren't working use portable units. Beware that sewage can backflow through floor drains into basements. Clean with a disinfectant. Never mix ammonia and chlorine bleach, which produces poisonous chloramine gas. After coming into contact with sewage or floodwater, wash your hands well and use a brush to clean under fingernails.
Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of one cup of unscented, liquid bleach with nine cups of water.
Be particularly careful to thoroughly disinfect surfaces that may come in contact with food, such as counter tops, pantry shelves, refrigerators, etc.
Areas where small children play should also be carefully cleaned.
Wash all bedding, towels and clothing in hot water, or dry-clean them. For items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant.
Steam clean all carpeting.
If there has been a backflow of sewage into the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup.
For questions, call the Delaware Helpline at 1-800-464-HELP and ask for the Indoor Air Program.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
