Health Department Offers Safety Tips for Residents With Flooded Homes

Heavy rains in our region have flooded some basements and
caused concerns among homeowners who are now in the process of cleaning up.

The DuPage County Health Department offers tips for how to clean particular areas of the home safely and precautions residents should take during the process. Flood waters and sewer overflows can contain bacteria, fecal material, viruses and other organisms that may cause disease.

Cleaning Basements

Pump out standing water and remove all debris. Wait to pump until flood waters have receded below basement level. Allow debris to drain before disposal.

Strain away all liquids from trash. After straining trash, wrap in newspaper and store in tight-lid garbage cans until pick up.

Paneling and wallboard must be immediately cleaned and dried thoroughly. If the damage is severe, they should be removed and replaced.

Cleaning Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs that cannot be thoroughly dried and cleaned should be discarded and replaced. If the damaged area is small, you may be able to save the carpet by cleaning the area with a mild
detergent. There also are professional home cleaning services that may be able to clean your carpets.

Cleaning Floors, Drapes and Furniture

Floors and hard surfaces should be cleaned with a bleach and water solution made of no more than one cup of bleach per one gallon of water, or use a household disinfectant. A professional cleaner may be able to clean furniture and drapes.

Cleaning Refrigerators and Dealing With Food

Use only bottled or disinfected water for drinking, cooking, tooth brushing and bathing until you are sure the water supply is safe. Discard food exposed to contaminated waters.

If refrigerators or freezers have taken in water, discard food stored there. If no water entered these appliances, but power was lost long enough for foods to thaw, discard all partially thawed foods unless prepared immediately. Discard milk, cheeses and other foods prone to spoilage. Completely thawed meats and vegetables should be discarded without question.

Discard all bulging or leaking canned food and any food stored in jars. Undented, intact cans can be cleaned with a bleach solution before use.

These basic precautions can help to prevent disease:

• Minimize skin contact with sewer water, especially cuts and sores. Keep them clean and covered.

• Do not allow children to play in areas contaminated by sewage overflows.

• Do not eat or drink anything exposed to sewer water. Keep contaminated objects, water and hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.

• Wash hands frequently, especially after bathroom use, before eating and immediately following contact with sewer water or contaminated objects or surfaces

Take the following precautions to prevent injury:

• Turn off main power switches if necessary.

• Air out and wipe dry all appliances and electrical outlets exposed to water before use. If you have fuel oil or gas systems, be sure tanks are secure and all lines are free from breaks.

• Wear rubber boots, gloves and an N95 or HEPA respirator mask during removal and cleanup.

• Open windows if possible to ventilate and dry the area. Fans can be used to help with drying.

• Keep children from playing in flood and sewer water.

The above information was provided by the DuPage County Health Department.