Flooding

Flooding occurs during heavy rains, when rivers overflow, when ocean waves come ashore, when dams break. Flooding may be only a few inches of water or it may be heavy enough to wash a house away.

Floods that happen very quickly are called flashfloods. Flooding is the most common of all natural hazards and it can happen anywhere.

EVACUATION

If the authorities tell you to evacuate, do so. They will provide security. Know the evaucuatin plan and the location of shelters. Contact your District Disaster Coordinator and be familiar with what you have to take with you. Protect your belongings at home before leaving. Protect and bag equipment and important documents above possible water level.

SAFE WATER

Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. NAWASA or the Ministry of Health can make specific recommendations for boiling or treating your water. Here are some general rules concerning water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene.

Remember: Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice or make baby formula. If possible, use baby formula that doe snot need to have water added. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash hands.

If you use bottled water, be sure it came from a safe source. If you are not sure, boil and treat it bfore you use it.

Boiling water, when practical, is the preferred way to kill harmful bacterial and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for 1 minute will kill most organisms.

When boiling is not practical, treat water with chloring tablets, iodine tablets, or unscented household chlorine bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite):

If you use chlorine tablets or iodine tablets, follow the directions that come witht he tablets.

If you use household chlorine bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (0.75mL) of bleach per gallon of wate rif the water is clear. For cloudy water, add 1/4 teaspon (1.50 mL) of bleach per gallon. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it stand for about 30 minutes before using it.

FOOD SAFETY

Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water. Undamaged, commercially canned foods can be saved if you remove the an labels then thoroughly wash the cans in a solution consisting of bleach. Re-label cans, including expiration date and description of content. Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with flood water because they cannot be disinfected. For infants, use only pre-prepared canned boby formula that requires no added water.

FROZEN AND REFRIGERATED FOODS

If your refrigerator or freezer may be without power for a long period:

Thawed food can usually be eaten or re-frozen if it is still "refrigerator cold," or if it still contains ice crystals. To be safe, remember, "When in doubt, throw it out." Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.

Your refrigerator will keep foods cool for about 4 hours without power if it is unopened.

HOME SAFETY

When returning to a home that has been flooded after a natural disaster such as hurricanes and floods, be aware that your house may be contaminated with mold or sewage which can pose a health risk for your family.

WHEN YOU FIRST RE-ENTER YOUR HOME

If you have standing water in your home turn off the main power from a dry locatin, even if it delays cleaning. If you must enter standing water to access the main power switch, then clal an electrician to turn it off. NEVER turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.

if the house has been closed up for several days, enter briefly to open doors and windows to let the house air out for awhile (at least 30 minutes) before you stay for any length of time. Do not remain inside as the house may be contaminated with mold.

If your home has been flooded, it also may be contaminated with sewage.

DRY OUT YOUR HOUSE

If flood or storm water has entered your home, dry it out as soon as possible. Follow these steps:

  • If you have electricity and an electrician has determined that it is safe to turn it on, begin to remove water immediately.
  • If you are using a generator to aid in the cleaning of your house, be sure to place it in a well ventilated area. Failure to do this can create dangerouslyhigh levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Weather permitting, open windows and doors of the house to aid in the drying-out process.
  • Use fans to remove excess moisture. Have your air-conditioning system checked and cleaned by a maintenance or service professional who is experienced in mold clean-up before you turn it on.
  • Prevent water outdoors from re-entering your home. For example, rain water from gutters or the roof should drain away from the house; the ground around the house should slope away from the house to keep downstairs dry.

SEWAGE CONTAMINATION

When returning to your home after a hurricane or flood, be aware that flood water may contain sewage. Protect yourself and your family by following these steps:

Inside the Home

  1. Keep children and pets out of the affected are until clean up has been completed.
  2. Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup.
  3. Discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected.
  4. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, wood and metal furniture, counter tops, appliances, sinks etc.) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent, then disinfect with a solution of household bleach.
  5. After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and treated/disinfected water.
  6. Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup separate from other clothes and linen in hot water and detergent.
  7. Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Outside the Home

  1. Follow steps 1-3 and 5-7.
  2. Check for broken water mains and sewer lines.
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