Health officials warn of health risks associated with flooding

Hendricks County Flyer

The Hendricks County Health Department is reminding county residents that flooding can pose serious health risks such as exposure to water-borne diseases, drowning, and dangers associated with cleaning up flood-damaged areas.

County health officials recommend that people wait until the floodwaters recede before beginning any clean up efforts. People can be severely injured due to slippery conditions, poor visibility, floating debris, or electrical shock. In addition, small cuts or scratches on the skin can make someone more susceptible to diseases like tetanus, E. coli, and other pathogens.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers additional safety tips of:

-Do not drive through flooded roads, as cars can be swept away or lose power.

-Never touch a downed power line oranything in contact with one.

-Listen to media announcements to find out if it’s safe to use tap water and followinstructions regarding water.

-If you are unsure if water is safe to use, boil it before using it for brushing teeth, cooking, drinking, bathing, or anything else.

-Throw away any food that may have been touched by floodwater.

-Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights instead of candles.

-Stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges release carbon monoxide gas and should always be used outdoors, far away from windows, doors, and vents.

Water that enters buildings from leaks or flooding accelerates mold growth. Molds can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials after the storm.

Remove standing water and wet materials as quickly as possible and ventilate, using fans and dehumidifiers. Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants, as combining certain products can produce toxic fumes.

Untreated sanitary waste can end up in waterways and on streets when heavy rain overwhelms sewer systems and treatment plants. Wells located in a flooded area should be assumed to be contaminated.

Health officials recommend discontinuing the use of well water until it can be cleaned and then inspected by a professional well contractor. As soon as flood water has receded, well water should be tested for coliform bacteria. If coliform bacteria is present, the well will need to be disinfected and re-tested before it can be used for drinking or cooking.

Until clean test results are received, water should be boiled for one minute before use.

Once floodwaters recede, remaining standing water on properties is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos that carry the West Nile virus. After it is safe to start clean up efforts, Hendricks County health officials recommend disposing of old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or any other containers that can hold water.

Residents should also repair failed septic systems, keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed, and clean clogged roof gutters.

When venturing outdoors, people should apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picardin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin to protect themselves from being bitten by a mosquito.

People who have been exposed to flood waters should wash their hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water.

For household cleaning after floodwater contamination, disinfect all surfaces with a bleach solution of 1/4 cup of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water.

Additional safety tips for cleaning up a home or business after floodwaters recede include:

- Turn off the electricity.

-Clean and dry wet light fixtures before turning the electricity back on.

-Items that cannot be salvaged after a flood and must be thrown away include wet ceiling tiles, paper products, baseboards, dry wall, and insulation.

- Mattresses or other large items soaked in floodwater will probably have to be discarded. Some mattresses may be salvaged after disinfecting and air drying.

Wipe wood and metal studs with a bleach solution and allow to air dry.

- Open windows and doors during the clean-up process and leave them open for at least 24 hours.

For more information about how to stay healthy during or after a flood, visit the Indiana State Department of Health website at www.statehealth.IN.gov.

To contact the Hendricks County Health Department, call 745-9217.

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