6/20/19--The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) office has reported flash flooding of Canastota Creek causing flooding, sewage backups and fuel spills in basements of residents in the Village of Canastota. The Canastota Wastewater Treatment Facility reported that a permitted discharge of partially treated wastewater occurred into Canastota Creek due to the weather conditions prompted by todays heavy rains. The Madison County Health Department is advising impacted residents to take measures to protect themselves from harmful contaminants that may be present in such floodwaters and of flood recovery guidance available on the County website.
Residents need to take precautions before re-entering areas of a home that has experienced flooding. It is important to wear appropriate personal protection gear when re-entering your home, to properly remove standing water and not to pump out flood waters containing fuel oil. Guidance documents posted on the County website include the following topics:
- Things to Know Before Re-entering Your Home
- How to Avoid Getting Sick and Injured After a Flood
- Flood Cleanup and Home Repair
The above guidance documents as well as other information on flood recovery can also be found at http://www.health.ny.gov/FloodHelp
If there is flooding or sewage backups in your home, it is important to wear protective clothing to prevent coming in contact with harmful germs or contaminants while you clean and disinfect the area. Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water.
As long as fuel oil is not an issue, standing water should be removed as soon as possible. Water can seep into walls causing damage, can contain harmful bacteria and cause mold growth that can cause health problems. Do not remove standing water if there is fuel oil floating on top of the water in a flooded basement. Report any oil smell or if you suspect an oil spill or any type of petroleum release in or near your home to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Spill Hotline immediately at 1-800-457-7362.
If you are on a private water system that has been flooded or damaged, contact Madison County Health Department’s Individual Water Program for guidance on how to ensure your water is safe for drinking and bathing.
For more information and guidance about cleaning after flooding, visit the Madison County Health Department online at https://www.madisoncounty.ny.gov/1647/Flood-Response-Recovery or call 315-366-2526.