Flood safety tips are offered

Thursday, June 12, 2008 1:59 PM CDT

Watertown Health Officer Carol Quest would like to remind area residents to take the proper steps when dealing with flooded homes.

Quest said every surface in a home that has been affected by flooding should be cleaned and disinfected. Surfaces should be scrubbed with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. The areas should be disinfected with a solution consisting of a quarter cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water or a product that is labeled as a disinfectant to kill germs, she added.

In most instances, carpeting, drywall and other building materials affected by floodwaters will need to be removed and discarded, Quest said. Any porous material that cannot be dried within 48 hours should be discarded.

Quest is also asking residents to avoid wading in water without proper foot protection.

“Broken glass, metal fragments and other debris may be submerged in the flooded area,” Quest said. “Wear proper eyewear, gloves and other protective equipment when cleaning an area.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Those who sustain cuts or punctures should contact their physician or local health department as soon as possible. Tetanus vaccinations may be necessary.

Residents should also refrain from restoring or working on power sources without first contacting the local utility.

“Homes that are flooded should have their power disconnected by the utility company or an electrician,” Quest said. “Emergency generators should only be used in well-ventilated areas. Otherwise, carbon monoxide - a colorless, odorless gas - can build up with fatal consequences.”

Quest also said residents should not swim or wade in any floodwater that is in streets, rivers, streams, creeks or lakes in flooded areas. Water from a private well that has been, or is flooded should not be used.

“If you are not certain about the safety of your water supply you should have the well tested for bacteria,” Quest said. “Until the test results are known, there are procedures you can follow to ensure safe drinking water. Drink bottled water or water from a known, safe source.”

Anyone looking for further information on flooding health and safety tips should contact the Watertown Department of Public Health at 262-8090.

The Dodge County Human Services and Health Department - Public Health Unit is recommending residents in the county involved in flood and tornado cleanup check their tetanus vaccination record to make sure they are up to date.

A regular booster should be given every 10 years, or every five years if an injury occurs where tetanus could be a problem, such as puncture wounds or burns. Residents who need to update their tetanus vaccination may contact their local medical provider or contact the county Public Health Unit.

Tetanus vaccinations are provided at regularly scheduled immunization clinics. For people involved in flooding or tornado cleanup, these vaccines will be provided at no charge.

For more information about the tetanus vaccination or for the hours of the immunization clinics, call 386-3670.