Flooding
Twelve health tips for people returning to flooded homes
Floodwater can contain sewage, bacteria and viruses. The advice below may help prevent illness particularly amongst the elderly, children or other vulnerable people.
- When cleaning out your house, be thorough get rid of all the mud and silt that you can - any left might dry up and turn into dust, which can still harbour bacteria etc.
- Discard things that have soaked up water, e.g. soft furnishings and carpets. As well as being contaminated, they may later become mouldy which could aggravate asthma in some people.
- Wear rubber gloves and boots when clearing up and watch out for broken glass and nails.
- Minor cuts or grazes should be cleaned, treated and covered with waterproof dressings. Avoid getting flood water in your mouth, eyes, or on broken skin. If in doubt, obtain medical advice.
- Wash away debris, mud etc. with hot water and detergent - washing up liquid. Then wipe over surfaces using a weak solution of bleach (approx. 1/ 4 mug of ordinary ‘thin’ bleach to 1 five-litre bucket of water) - alternatively use an anti-bacterial disinfectant. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
- When finished, wash any contaminated clothing and footwear. Wash any exposed skin that may have been splashed with water. Be sure to wash your hands before eating or smoking.
- Water and electricity do not mix! If in doubt about electrical safety, contact your electricity supplier, get advice first. (Southern Electric Emergency line for dangerous situations: 08457 70 80 90)
- Thoroughly clean around the outlets on any drinking water taps that may have been contaminated and run them for 5 to 10 minutes to flush through, and to remove any detergent you have used. If you are worried about the drinking water supply generally, contact your supplier. (Thames Water on 0845 9200 800, or in parts of Colnbrook, Three Valleys Water on 0845 782 3333).
- All kitchen surfaces, equipment, crockery, cutlery, glassware etc. must be cleaned and disinfected. Remove all visible dirt, then wash with hot water and detergent and disinfect as in 5, above.
- If still safe to use, fridges, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers and cookers may need to be cleaned and disinfected inside, outside and beneath. Always take expert advice when trying to clean this type of electrical equipment.
- Contaminated food and associated or packaging must be disposed of properly.
- Check under cabinets or units where floodwater may have seeped - mop up, and disinfect.
GET INSURANCE ADVICE BEFORE DISPOSING OF ANY ITEMS OR EQUIPMENT
Rats can infect water with Weil’s disease, which can also remain in dried up silt. Thus, cleaning up is critical, and hygiene advice should always be followed. If you see rats, contact Consumer Protection.
If you feel unwell in the next few days, especially with ‘flu like’ symptoms or a stomach upset, see your GP and say that you have been cleaning up floodwater. Your GP’s number is in the ‘phone book.
For further information or advice, contact Slough Borough Council’s Consumer Protection Service, Public Health Team, PO Box 570, Slough, SL1 1FA. Telephone 01753 875255, Fax 01753 875221 or email environmental.protection@slough.gov.uk
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