Disinfection
Floodwater contaminated by sewage contains large amounts of bacteria Wash
hands, thoroughly after contact. Hand sanitizers can also be used to clean
hands if clean water is not available. After the water has been removed from
the premises, mud and debris should be removed by scraping and washing.
The premises and furniture should be thoroughly washed with soap and water
and then disinfected using a household bleach solution. This solution can be
prepared by adding 10 ml of household bleach solution to 1000 ml of water.
For furniture, it is recommended that it be scoured with soap and water and
then left to dry. The house should be thoroughly aired and dried. Drywall
and insulation which has been wet should be removed to prevent hidden mould
growth
Electrical Hazards
Do not enter a flooded area unless the electrical supply to that area has
been shut off. If the electricity shut off switch is in the flooded area, it
should be shut off from the outside of the building. Please contact your
local Public Utilities Services or Hydro One to do this. Do not attempt to
use or operate any electrical appliances until house wiring and equipment
has been inspected and found safe.
Food Safety
Frozen Foods:
Without electrical power, a full upright or chest freezer will keep
everything frozen for about two days. A half-full freezer will keep food
frozen for one day. Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. If
food thaws, but remains cold to the touch, it is safe to refreeze it.
Refrigerated Food:
Without electrical power, a refrigerator will keep food cool for four to six
hours. Adding ice can help to keep a refrigerator cool. Throw out food that
has been sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
Food to be most concerned about includes meat, poultry, fish, dairy
products, eggs, cooked rice, pastas and casseroles, soups, stews and
gravies.
If food has come in contact with floodwater, it must be thrown out. Canned
food can be saved. Wash cans with soap and water, and immerse in a bucket
filled with bleach solution. Add 10 ml of bleach for every litre of water.
Let cans soak for one minute and then air dry. Be sure to label them if the
label peels off. Food stored in glass jars (home-made jams and pickles for
example) must be thrown out. The jars can be re-used after cleaning and
sterilizing.
For more information, please contact the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark
District Health Unit at 613-345-5685 or check the Canada Mortgage and House
Corporation website at
www.cmhc.ca.
Adapted for use from the Peterborough County-City Health Unit.
