For Immediate Release

(LANSING, MI – APRIL 19, 2002) Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to local radio and television stations for updated information on actions being taken by state and local authorities. Emergency workers may be assisting people in flooded areas. You can help them by staying off the roads and out of the way.

Going back into your home can be dangerous because flooding can cause structural, electrical and other hazards. Physical dangers are not necessarily over after the water goes down. Hazards are not always obvious. They can be potentially life threatening if precautions are not taken. Please be mindful of the following safety tips when returning home after a flood, hurricane or severe storm:

• If you must walk or drive in areas that have been flooded, stay on firm ground. Moving water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. Standing water may be electrically charged from underground or downed power lines.
• Flooding may have caused familiar places to change. Floodwaters often erode roads and walkways. Flood debris may hide animals and broken bottles, and it is also very slippery. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
• Check your home before you go in. Carefully check outside your home for loose power lines, gas leaks, foundation cracks or other damage. See if porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports. If you see damage, a building inspector or contractor should check the building before you enter.
• When entering buildings, use extreme caution.
• Wear sturdy shoes and use battery-powered lanterns or flashlights when examining buildings.
• Examine walls, floors, doors, and windows to make sure that the building is not in danger of collapsing.
• Watch out for animals that may have come into your home with the floodwaters. Use a stick to poke through debris.
• Watch for loose plaster and ceilings that could fall.
• Take pictures of the damage--both to the house and its contents for insurance claims.
• Turn off the electricity. Even if the power company has turned off electricity to the area, make certain your house's power supply is disconnected.
• If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, leave your home immediately and call the gas company from a neighbor's house.
• If you store hazardous materials in your house such as gasoline, solvents, fuel oil, pesticides, herbicides, paints etc., you may need to have your home checked for the presence of materials that may have leaked and been distributed by the floodwaters.
• Make sure the electricity is off and hose down the house to remove health hazards left behind by floodwater mud. Shovel out as much mud as possible. Remove water quickly using a mop or squeegee.
• Stay out of buildings if floodwaters remain around the building.
• Throw away food--including canned goods--that has come in contact with floodwaters.
• Pump out flooded basements gradually (about one-third of the water per day) to avoid structural damage.

Inspecting Utilities in a Damaged Home

• Look for fire hazards.
• Check for gas leaks--If you smell gas or hear blowing or hissing noise, open a window and quickly leave the building. Turn off the gas at the outside main valve if you can and call the Gas Company from a neighbor's home. If you turn off the gas for any reason, it must be turned back on by a professional.
• Look for electrical system damage--If you see sparks or broken or frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. If you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician for advice.
• Submerged furnaces or electrical appliances
• Flammable or explosive materials coming from upstream
• Check for sewage and water lines damage--If you suspect sewage lines are damaged avoid using the toilets and call a plumber. If water pipes are damaged, contact the water company and avoid the water from the tap. You can obtain safe water by melting ice cubes.

Septic Systems

• Floodwaters can cause septic tanks to fill up, causing back-flow problems and soil erosion around the septic tank, producing seepage above ground. Septic systems won't work until ground water is below the distribution lines. Since floodwaters are receding, now is a good time to make sure septic tanks are working. Experts suggest pumping septic tanks to see if the system is working. A licensed sewage transporter should perform the procedure.
• Service damaged septic tanks, cesspools, pits, and leaching systems as soon as possible. Damaged sewage systems are health hazards.

Wells

• Water pumped from wells that have been submerged by floodwater should be disinfected before being used for drinking, food preparation and other domestic needs.
• Wells located in lowland areas along streams or drainage ways may be contaminated with silt, bacteria and other hazards if floodwater entered through the top of the well.
• Anyone unsure whether a home water supply has been contaminated by floodwater should purify all water before using.
• Homeowners should have their water tested if any of the following conditions exist:
• the well was actually flooded;
• the well was in close proximity to a flooded area; and
• there has been a change in the water quality (odor or taste).
• Residents who are concerned about the quality of their water should contact their local health department to have their water tested.
• If major repairs are needed for either septic systems or wells, residents should contact county officials regarding any new regulations that may apply before any repairs are made.

Food Safety Precautions

• Residents should pay special attention to the safety of canned foods, foods that may have been sitting on the floor or near a window or doorway, foods in refrigerators or freezers, and the drinkability of tap water.
• Food exposed to floodwater or floodwater seepage is unsafe. Canned foods without dents or bulges can be salvaged. Potatoes and fruits with peels can be salvaged. However, any salvaged foods must be washed and sanitized.
• It is important to drink only approved, bottled or chlorinated water. Consider water from wells, cisterns and other delivery systems in the area unsafe until tested. For emergency use, water may be boiled to reduce contamination. Put the water in a clean, covered container, bring to a boil and continue boiling for at least 10 minutes.
• Check foods and discard any items containing particles of glass or slivers of other debris or cans with broken seams.
• If your refrigerator loses power, only open refrigerator doors when absolutely necessary to keep the interior cold. A full, freestanding freezer will stay at freezing temperatures about two days; a half-full freezer about one day. If your freezer is not full, group packages together so they form an "igloo" protecting each other. And if power may be out several days, try to use dry ice. Twenty-five pounds of dry ice should hold a 10-cubic foot full freezer three to four days.
• Refrigerated foods will generally be safe as long as the power is not out more than a few hours and the doors have been kept closed. Potentially hazardous foods (meats, fish, poultry, all dairy products, all eggs and egg products, soft cheeses, custards, puddings, and cooked beans, rice, potatoes, pasta, and potato/pasta/macaroni salads, etc.) should be discarded if they are thawed and kept at temperatures warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Always discard anything that turns moldy or has an unusual odor or look and remember: "when in doubt, throw out."
• Additional food safety tips can be obtained by contacting your local Michigan State University Extension office, visiting www.michigan.gov/mda, www.fightbac.org or www.foodsafety.gov, or by calling toll-free the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline at 800/535-4555 or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Information Line at 888/SAFE-FOOD.

Cleaning Carpets and Floors after a Disaster

Cleaning water-soaked carpets and floors is a difficult chore in itself, but in the aftermath of a flood or hurricane, contamination by mud, silt, sewage, and mildew can compound the problem.

It's best to get professional cleaners to work on carpets and floors, but this may not be possible. In any case, begin cleanup as soon as possible.

• Pull up carpets and rugs and drape them outdoors.
• Hose carpets down. Use a stiff-bristled broom to work a low-sudsing, disinfectant carpet-cleaning product deep into soiled spots.
• To discourage mildew and odors, rinse with a solution of two tablespoons bleach to one gallon of water. DON'T USE THIS SOLUTION ON WOOL CARPETS.
• Dry carpet and floor thoroughly before replacing carpet to avoid future mildew problems and shrinkage. Use fans, vacuum cleaners and dehumidifiers to speed the drying.
• Waffle weave and foam or rubber-type pads may be dried and reused.
• Sections of subfloors that separate must be replaced to avoid buckling. When floor coverings are removed, allow subfloors to dry thoroughly, even though it may take several months. In wood floors, remove a board every few feet to reduce buckling caused by swelling. Ask a carpenter for tips on removing tongue-and-groove boards.
• Clean and dry floor thoroughly before attempting repairs.
• In vinyl floors with wood subflooring, the floor covering should be removed so the subflooring can be replaced. With concrete floors, removal isn't necessary except to hasten drying of the slab.
• Loose tiles may be replaced individually if the floor hasn't been soaked. If water has seeped under sheet flooring, remove the entire sheet.
• While cleaning, wash exposed skin frequently in purified water. Wear rubber gloves for extra protection against contamination.

Staying Healthy

A flood can cause emotional and physical stress. You need to look after yourself and your family as you focus on cleanup and repair.

• Rest often and eat well.
• Keep a manageable schedule. Make a list and do jobs one at a time.
• Discuss your concerns with others and seek help. Contract the Red Cross for information on emotional support available in your area.

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