GSL brochure outlines actions to ensure health and safety after flooding

NLIS 5
September 28, 2001
(Government Services and Lands)

Due to the significant number of calls being directed to Government Service Centres regarding sanitary clean-up after flooding, Government Services and Lands Minister Walter Noel says his department has re-printed a brochure which outlines the proper precautions to be taken during clean-up to ensure safety and health.

Minister Noel said: "Many homes in the St. John's area have been badly affected by flooding as a result of Hurricane Gabrielle and it is important that proper steps are taken to return these homes to a sanitary condition."

The brochure, "After a Flood: Restoring Your Home to a Satisfactory, Sanitary Condition" is available at Government Services Centres and on GSL's website at www.gov.nl.ca/gsl/gsc/. The province's Emergency Measures Organization is also placing this brochure in information kits being sent to residents adversely affected by Hurricane Gabrielle.

The following is the text of the brochure:

Restoring Your Home to Satisfactory, Sanitary Condition After a Flood

�	Flood water can be heavily contaminated with sewage and other pollutants and may pose a serious
	health hazard. During flood conditions the water leaves the normal course of stream and river beds
	and may come in contact with sources of contamination. Sewer back-ups may also occur.

�	Treat all flood water impacted surfaces and furnishings as toxic until properly decontaminated. Keep
	children and pets out of contaminated areas.

�	Do not track contaminated material into undamaged areas.

The following measures should be taken to restore your home to a sanitary condition:

�	Pump or remove water from the basement.

�	All standing water in flooded basements should be disinfected with a chlorine solution made by
	adding one litre of bleach - Javex- to four litres of water. Estimate the volume of standing water and
	add the proportionate volume of bleach. For earth or ground basements add chloride of lime to the
	floor.

�	Where practical and weather permits all movable furnishings in contact with flood waters should be
	taken outside. All wood work and items of impervious material, plastics, metal etc. should be
	cleaned with soap and water then washed again with a solution of one part javex bleach with four
	parts water.

�	Upholstered furnishings in contact with flood water should be dried outside where possible and
	professionally cleaned. Upholstered furniture, or stuffed articles in contact with raw sewage should be
	discarded.

�	Carpets in contact with a flood should be professionally cleaned; sewage soaked, carpets must be
	discarded.

�	All surfaces and structures, after washing with soap and water including walls, ceilings and floors
	that have been in contact with flood waters should be then washed down with a chlorine solution of
	one part javex to four parts water. The cleaning should extend to 20 inches above water line. Check
	for mould regularly for one month after clean-up and if mould is encountered kill again, by applying a
	chlorine solution or rubbing alcohol.

�	Once the water has been removed from the basement, remove all accumulated silt, mud or sewage.
	If there is evidence of sewage, bag, tag and dispose of as directed by municipal guidelines.

�	Linens and washable clothing should be washed and rinsed several times in cold water treated with
	one cup of javex (bleach) per washer load; dry quickly.

�	Discard and replace all insulation material, mattresses, stuffed toys, pillows, padding and cushions
	that have been soaked.

�	Following the interior cleanup attention should be directed to removing the accumulated debris and
	flood borne materials from the yard or exterior. Such accumulations attract rodents and insects
	which may transmit disease. If there is a significant delay in the disposal of such materials the
	accumulation should be sprayed with an insecticide.

FOOD SAFETY

Any of the following foods exposed to flood water must be disposed of:
        � contents of freezer or refrigerator
        � all meats
        � all fresh fruit and vegetables
        � all boxed food.
        � all bottled drink and products in jars, including home preserves, spices, condiments etc. since
        the area under the seal of jars and bottles cannot be adequately disinfected.
        � all medicines, cosmetics and other toiletries.

�	Canned foods without signs of damage to the seal or large dents can be salvaged if the can is
	thoroughly washed and disinfected. Cans showing signs of leakage, bloating or the seal is damaged
	should be discarded.

�	All contaminated dishes, utensils and food contact surfaces such as cutting boards and counter tops
	should be washed with warm water and soap and then sanitized with a chlorine solution. Wooden
	utensils should be discarded.

�	If there is any doubt as to whether a food item has been in contact with a flood water, throw it out.

�	During the course of the clean up wash hands before handling any salvageable food products.

Media contact: Rick Callahan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4860.

2001 09 28 4:40 p.m.

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