Lynchburg VA, Flash Flooding

8/6/2021 (Permalink)

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) -- When dealing with flooded homes or roads remember that the water could have contained sewage.

You want to protect yourself and your family during the cleanup.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said to keep children and pets out of the affected areas until cleanup has completed.

INSIDE THE HOME:

• Wear personal protective equipment, including rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• While cleaning up areas with mold damage, wear a NIOSH-approved N-95 respirator, or one that provides even more protection.
• Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters -- this should include material that are located a foot higher than the high water line.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and clean water.
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent. It is recommended that a laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until your onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

OUTSIDE THE HOME:

• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area.
• Have your onsite waste-water system professionally inspected and serviced if you suspect damage.
• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and clean water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands); or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use:

• - When using 5-6% unscented liquid household chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) per 1 gallon of clear water. Stir well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy, add a little less than ¼ teaspoon (16 drops or about 1 milliliter) per 1 gallon of water.
• - When using 8.25% unscented liquid household chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (6 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) per 1 gallon of clear water. Stir well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy, add 12 drops (or about 1 milliliter) per 1 gallon of water.

• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill. See wound care for more information.

Flood waters and standing waters pose various risks, including infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries.

Eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water can cause diarrheal disease -- this could be caused accidentally after coming in contact with flood waters.

To protect yourself:

• Practice good hygiene (handwashing with soap and water) after contact with flood waters.
• Do not allow children to play in flood water areas.
• Wash children’s hands with soap and water frequently (always before meals).
• Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected.
• For information on disinfecting certain nonporous toys, visit CDC Healthy Water’s Cleaning and Sanitizing with Bleach section.
• Do not bathe in water that may be contaminated with sewage or toxic chemicals. This includes rivers, streams, or lakes that are contaminated by flood water.

If you have open wounds, avoid exposure to flood waters and cover clean, open wounds with a waterproof bandage.

Flood waters can displace animals, insects, and reptiles.