Flood Response & Recovery

Stay aware of your local conditions and emergency information in your community by listening to your local radio and TV stations. If flooding occurs, protect your family from contaminated water, food, and air in an affected area after flooding.

Foods

• Throw away foods exposed to flood water or food not kept refrigerated at 45°F or lower.

Household Clean-Up

• Wash down the walls, floors and other areas exposed to flood waters with soap and hot water. Keep windows and doors open for ventilation.
• Disinfect the washed areas by applying a solution of bleach prepared by adding 4 tablespoons of bleach to 5 gallons of water. Allow the solution to remain on the surface for about 10 minutes. Rinse with cold water.
• As a general rule, materials that are wet and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried may have to be discarded because they can remain a source of bacteria and mold growth.

Safety

• If you are on public water, follow directions from the local health department and water supplier. Private drinking water wells can be contaminated during a flood. Contact your local health department for guidance on how to disinfect, flush and sample your well water.
• Never run a generator inside your home, basement or attached garage. Generators should only be operated outside, away from open windows, downwind and beyond 30 feet away from any buildings if possible. Carbon monoxide in the generator's fumes can build up and cause carbon monoxide poisoning or death.

Contact Information

For more information contact our Environmental Health Division at 315-366-2526.