With water levels back to seasonal norms in the region, many homeowners will be facing the daunting task of cleaning up. For those who have had flooding in their houses, there are some special health concerns.
It’s best to roll up your sleeves as soon as possible after the water has receded, as cleaning early will protect your health and prevent further damage to your home and belongings. It may be necessary to do a more extensive cleanup if sewage has backed up — for this you may want to contact a professional for assistance.
For starters:
• Make sure the power is off. If the water rose above electrical outlets or the service panel, get your local power company to disconnect power to your home. You’ll need to have your wiring inspected to see what needs to be replaced before power is turned back on.
• Gather the cleanup equipment you’ll need: rubber boots, waterproof gloves, face masks if cleanup involves sewage, pails, mops, submersible pumps, wet/dry shop vacs, dehumidifiers, fans and heaters.
• A large container may be needed for wet bedding and clothing.
Some additional tips to remember:
• Mud and debris should be hosed away and then scrubbed from walls.
• Start cleaning from the ceiling and work down towards the floor. Cleaning should be followed by disinfection to kill potential bacteria and viruses. Because it is possible that flood waters are contaminated with sewage, disinfection of walls and surfaces in flood-affected areas of the home must follow cleaning.
• Remove and discard contaminated household goods like carpets that cannot be disinfected.
• Drywall or wall panelling soaked by flood water will need to be removed to prevent the buildup of harmful moulds.
• Dry out rooms as quickly as possible.
• There may be structural repairs needed in the home as well. Call your municipal office for guidance.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has a more detailed checklist of flood cleanup tips on its <a href='http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/topics/floods/flood_introduction2.asp' target='_blank'>website</a>.
Well water should be tested
If your well has been flooded, it could have been contaminated. Until you can get your well water tested, use bottled water or boil your water rapidly for at least one minute before using for drinking, making infant formula, juices, cooking, making ice, washing fruits and vegetables or brushing teeth.
If your well was flooded, you will need to disinfect it. This involves adding household bleach to your well and flushing all the home’s waterlines, water heater, dishwasher and washing machines with the chlorinated water. The <a href='http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/Facts/Water/Drinking_Water/How_to_Disinfect_Your_Well.asp?NAV=WATER' target='_blank'>health unit’s website</a> has detailed instructions on disinfecting your well.
Safe foods
Food items that have come into contact with flood waters should be thrown out, with the exception of sealed canned goods. The outside of sealed canned goods must be thoroughly washed with clean water and disinfected.
Any high-risk foods that have been at room temperature for more than two hours should be thrown out. Some types of food at a high risk for contamination include:
• fish, poultry and meats, including cold cuts
• eggs, milk and cheese and other dairy products
• soups, stews, casseroles
• any food that may have come in contact with meat juices
Without power, the refrigerator will keep foods cool for four to six hours. Refrigerator temperatures should be 4.0°C or less to keep food safe. Without power, an upright or chest freezer that is completely full will keep food frozen for about two days. A half-full freezer will keep food frozen for one day. The freezer temperature should be -18°C or colder for food safety.
The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has more information on its <a href='http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/public/pub/foodsafe/homefood.html' target='_blank'>website</a>.
For more guidance on cleaning up, dealing with food or other issues related to the recent weather, visit the website of the <a href='http://www.simcoemuskokahealth.org' target='_blank'>Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit</a> or call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.