UTILITY SERVICE:
During and following flooding, contact utility companies for information and advice on precautions and safety measures to be taken. Do not handle any connected electrical cords or appliances if the current is still on. Do not light a flame in an enclosed area where gas fired or oil fired appliances are located before placing them back in service. If electricity is connected to an appliance which has had the motor controls submerged, do not attempt to start it until you have consulted a qualified service company.

CLEANING and DISINFECTING:
During the clean up of basements or other enclosed areas, provide as much ventilation as possible by opening windows and doors to allow moist air to flow out. Anything that has been in contact with floodwaters should be considered contaminated and must be cleaned and disinfected. All surfaces that can be washed and disinfected may be salvaged by thoroughly washing in soap and warm water, followed by disinfecting with a chlorine solution rinse made up of eight (8) tablespoons (1/2 cup) common household bleach per gallon of clean, warm water. Chlorine bleach is an effective disinfectant, but should never be mixed with ammonia since this combination produces poisonous gas.

Surfaces that are constructed in such a manner that effective decontamination and disinfections is difficult or impossible should be discarded or consult with a professional cleaning and salvaging firm.

WATER:
Water from wells located in flooded areas may be unsafe and water for drinking must be boiled for ten (10) minutes or treated with non-scented household bleach by adding one (1) teaspoon of liquid bleach to five gallons of water, mix well and let stand for thirty minutes before drinking.

FOOD:
Discard all items which were in direct contact with floodwaters. Jars, bottles and similar containers with crimped, or screw on caps, lids, or covers as well as cork or paraffin tops cannot be relied on to prevent product contamination.

PERSONAL HYGIENE:
Protect yourself by frequently washing your hands in warm water and in chlorinated water, particularly before eating or smoking. Use care to prevent tracking sewage contaminated floodwaters into areas that are clean. All clothing should be washed at the end of the day and a hot shower taken.

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