When returning home after a hurricane or flood, consider that flood waters may contain sewage. Protect yourself and protect your family with the following measures:
Inside the house
• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until complete cleaning has been performed.
• Wear rubber boots and gloves and security goggles during cleaning activities.
• Remove and dispose of items that cannot be washed or disinfected (such as mattresses, rugs, rug padding, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam or rubber items, books, tapestry and most paper products).
• Remove and dispose of plaster panels and contaminated insulation materials.
• Perform deep cleaning of solid surfaces (such as floors, concrete, moldings, metallic and wooden furniture, kitchen counters, electric appliances, sinks and other plumbing installations) with hot water and detergent.
• Help the drying process using fans, air conditioned units and dehumidifiers.
• After completing cleaning activities, wash your hands with water and soap. Use water that has boiled for 1 minute (allow water to cool before washing your hands).
o Disinfected water can also be used in personal hygiene (a solution of 1/8 tbsp. of domestic chlorine for each gallon of water). Let it sit for 30 minutes. If the water is turbid, use a solution of ¼ tbsp. of domestic chlorine for each gallon of water.
• Wash clothes used during cleaning chores with hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately.
• Wash clothes contaminated with sewage or flood waters with hot water and detergent. It is recommended to use a public laundromat to wash large amounts of clothes and beddings until your septic system has been inspected and repaired.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you are injured or sick.
Outside of the house
• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until complete cleaning has been performed.
• Wear rubber boots and gloves and security goggles during cleaning activities.
• Remove and dispose of items that cannot be washed or disinfected (such as mattresses, rugs, rug padding, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam or rubber items, books, tapestry and most paper products).
• Remove and dispose of plaster panels and contaminated insulation materials.
• Perform deep cleaning of solid surfaces (such as floors, concrete, moldings, metallic and wooden furniture, kitchen counters, electric appliances, sinks and other plumbing installations) with hot water and detergent.
• Help the drying process using fans, air conditioned units and dehumidifiers.
• After completing cleaning activities, wash your hands with water and soap. Use water that has boiled for 1 minute (allow water to cool before washing your hands).
o Disinfected water can also be used in personal hygiene (a solution of 1/8 tbsp. of domestic chlorine for each gallon of water). Let it sit for 30 minutes. If the water is turbid, use a solution of ¼ tbsp. of domestic chlorine for each gallon of water.
• Wash clothes used during cleaning chores with hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately.
• Wash clothes contaminated with sewage or flood waters with hot water and detergent. It is recommended to use a public laundromat to wash large amounts of clothes and beddings until your septic system has been inspected and repaired.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you are injured or sick.
This informational sheet has general information and its intention is not to replace professional advice. To learn more, get in touch with your local health department.
Safety during cleaning chores after a natural disaster
When returning home after a hurricane, flooding or other natural disaster, your family and you can follow these safety tips.
General safety measures
• Have at least two fire extinguishers handy (both with a UL classification, of at least 10A) in each cleaning location.
• Wear helmets, protective goggles, resistant gloves and boots with steel soles and tip (not just the shank) to perform cleaning chores.
• Wear ear plugs or protective headphones to limit hearing injuries if machinery noise is present.
• Move heavy items with the help of one or more people. Do not lift anything heavier than 50 pounds (per person).
• If using a chainsaw, follow the manufacturing instructions, wear appropriate protective equipment, do not touch power chords, ensure that nearby people keep a safe distance and take special cautions when cutting down trees or bent branches or trapped under another object. Be very careful with electric charges when using an electric chainsaw.
• If sewage has entered your home, wear water resistant boots and rubber gloves and protective goggles when cleaning the affected areas.
• If it is very hot, try to rest in air conditioned facilities, resting in the shade or fresh rooms, drinking water and other non-alcoholic beverages, and wearing light colored and loose fit clothes. Perform these chores outdoors during the coolest hours.
Cleaning related topics
• Remove and dispose of items that cannot be washed or disinfected (such as mattresses, rugs, rug padding, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam or rubber items, books, tapestry and most paper products).
• Remove and dispose of plaster panels and contaminated insulation materials.
• Perform deep cleaning of solid surfaces (such as floors, concrete, moldings, metallic and wooden furniture, kitchen counters, electric appliances, sinks and other plumbing installations) with hot water and detergent.
