February is Disaster Preparedness Month

by Nicole Gerber, Nancy Koch and Dick Crawford
Grand Island Dispatch, February 16, 2007

Cleaning up after a flood

It’s up to you to be ready

As you start cleaning up after a flood, you will likely produce a great deal of garbage. Local authorities will tell you where and when collection will occur. Garbage invites insects and rodents. Rodents, in particular, may be looking for food, because the flood may have destroyed their homes and normal food source.

Store garbage in watertight, rodent/insect-proof containers with tight-fitting covers. Use plastic liners if available. Pile garbage in a convenient location, but not near a well, if that is your source for water. If a rodent problem develops, use traps purchased at your local hardware store. Standing water is a breeding ground for insects. Inspect for water that has pooled and drain these areas.

If floodwaters are covering your septic tank and leach field, you should not use any flush toilets attached to the system. Septic systems rely on gravity to pull the wastewater down and away from the surface.When the system is flooded, wastewater can rise and mix with surface water, exposing people to human waste. If you are unable to use the toilets in your home, use portable toilets such as the type used for camping. Some communities may set up banks of commercial portable toilets for resident use.

Indoor air quality

During flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, flooding may cause indoor air quality problems that could last for a long time and cause you and your family to get sick.

For health reasons and to lessen structural damage, all standing water should be removed as quickly as possible. The water can “wick” into the walls causing a greater area to be affected. Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, which can become airborne and be inhaled. Where floodwater contains sewage or decaying animal carcasses, infectious disease is a concern. Even when flooding is due to rainwater, the growth of bacteria and mold can cause allergic reactions in most people.

Oil in Flooded Basement

An exception to the water-removal rule is if there is fuel oil floating on top of the water in a flooded basement. This usually happens when a basement floods and the oil tank was not properly fastened to the floor. The oil should be cleaned up before the water is pumped out. If the oil is not removed first, then the walls and floor will be coated with oil as the water is removed. Report the oil spill to the Department of Environmental Conservation Spill Hotline, (800) 457-7362, to inform them and to get help cleaning it up. Do not pump the water out into your yard; it might be mixed with oil and contaminate nearby wells, bodies of water and homes. To control odors, keep all doors between the basement and the living space closed and avoid tracking oil in the house.

Bacteria, Mold a Health Hazard

Bacteria and mold brought into the home during flooding may present a health hazard. These organisms can penetrate deep into soaked, porous materials and later be released into the air or water.

Coming into contact with air or water that contains these organisms can make you sick. High humidity and moist materials provide ideal environments for the excessive growth of bacteria and mold that are always present in the home. This may result in additional health concerns such as allergic reactions.

Humidity and Dust Mites

Increases in home humidity over the long term can foster the growth of dust mites that are a major contributor to allergic reactions and problems with asthma. The drying out process could take several weeks, and the growth of bacteria and mold will continue as long as humidity is high. If the house is not dried out properly, a musty odor, which signifies the growth of bacteria and mold, can remain long after the flood. Discarding items, particularly those with sentimental value, can be difficult for some people. However, keeping certain items that have been soaked by water may be unhealthy. Some materials tend to absorb and keep water more than others. As a general rule, materials that are wet and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried should be discarded as they will remain a source of bacteria and mold growth.

Sanitizers in the Cleanup Process

The cleanup process involves thorough washing and disinfecting of the walls, floors, closets, shelves and contents of the house. In most cases, common household cleaning products and disinfectants can be used for this task. The Federal Emergency Management Agency also suggests using disinfectants and sanitizers when cleaning the heating and air conditioning ductwork, if it has been flooded.

Disinfectants and sanitizers contain substances that can cause other problems. The health effects from chemicals in household cleaning products vary greatly, from “no known health effects” to “serious health effects.” Read and follow label instructions carefully and provide fresh air by opening windows and doors. If it is safe for you to use electricity and if the house is dry, use fans both during and after the use of disinfecting, cleaning and sanitizing products.

The Grand Island Citizens Corp and CERT Team urge all citizens to plan ahead for emergencies. For additional information, contact the following Web sites: www.nyhealth.com, www.fema.gov, www.semo.state.ny.us, www.redcross.org, www.salvationarmyusa.org.

This article was prepared from booklets and literature from the above-listed Web sites.