The severe weather over the weekend has created havoc for many families as they deal with the aftermath. If you have been affected by a flooded basement or sewage backup, there are safety precautions you can take to reduce your risk of infection while cleaning up.
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Avoid contact with contaminated surfaces by wearing rubber boots, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
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Make sure your tetanus immunization is current -- within the past ten years.
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Clean all hard surfaces with hot water and laundry or dish detergent then disinfect with a solution of one cup chlorine bleach in five gallons of water.
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Discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (for example, mattresses, carpeting, rugs, upholstered furniture, toys, stuffed animals, etc.)
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Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated.
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Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning, and dehumidifiers to prevent mold.
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Allow the home to dry completely before installing new materials.
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Wash hands thoroughly after cleanup.
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Contaminated clothes should be washed in hot water and detergent.
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Keep children and pets away from the affected area.
You can call us at the Health Department (371-2980) if you need a tetanus booster or would like additional information about cleanup of flood water. You can also check out the following websites:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods http://www.epa.gov/mold/flood http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/eh/DisasterHealthSafety/flooding.htm
