April 15, 2007
Breakup can be exciting, but Spring ice jams can cause flooding. It pays to be prepared.
Spring has finally arrived to the Delta! After months of below zero temps, blowing snow, and riding the sno-go, the weather is finally warming up. It's time to get your rain boots out of the closet; break up is just around the corner. Unfortunately, this time of year can also mean flooding!
Now we all know floods can do some serious property damage when water seeps into the house or washes a boat downstream. But do you ever think about the kind of damage floods can do to our health? That's right, floods can even damage us! Flood season means we may see overflowing sewage lagoons and contaminated wells. We have to be EXTRA careful this time of year to make sure our drinking water is safe.
Don't let flood crud get you down! Be sure to follow these tips to protect yourself and your family from illness.
Standard Precautions
- Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash and prepare food, wash your hands, make ice, or make baby formula.
- Boiling water is the preferred way to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a boil for 10 minutes will kill most organisms.
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When boiling water is not possible, you can treat water with chlorine tablets, iodine tablets, or unscented household chlorine bleach (5.25% sodium hypochlorite)
- Household chlorine bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 mL) of bleach per gallon of water if the water is clear.
- For cloudy water, add 1/4 teaspoon (1.50 mL) of bleach per gallon. Mix the solution thoroughly and let it stand for about 30 minutes before using.
- Household chlorine bleach, add 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 mL) of bleach per gallon of water if the water is clear.
- Electrical power and oil or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions until it is safe to use them.
- Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water. All electrical equipment and appliances must be completely dry before returning them to service.
- Do not operate any gas-powered equipment indoors.
- Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.
- If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health aide determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary.
Emergency Supplies
- Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water
- A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food and a nonelectric can opener
- A first aid kit and manual, prescription medicines and special medical needs.
- A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries
- Sleeping bags or extra blankets
- Water-purifying supplies, such as clorox or iodine tablets
- Baby food and/or prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies
- Disposable cleaning cloths, such as "baby wipes" in case bathing facilities are not available
- Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
Cleaning Tips
- Cleaning up after a flood should start with drying out. Remove everything that is wet and start cleaning inside the house
- Wall and hard-surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to five gallons of water
- Wash all linens and clothing in hot water. For items that cannot be washed, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant.
If your well cap is covered with water:
- Don't drink your water.
- Household bleach can be used as disinfectant if used properly.
- Contact your local Office of Environmental Health at 1-800-478-6599. They can give tips on proper ways to treat your well.