It is very important to remember basic hygiene rules during the emergency period. Always wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected:
• before preparing or eating foods;
• after using the toilet;
• After engaging in flood cleanup activities; and
• After touching items contaminated by flood or sewage water.
Flood waters may carry fecal matter from over flown sewage, as well as agricultural and industrial byproducts. Although skin contact with flood waters is not a serious health risk, there is a certain risk of disease when eating or drinking anything contaminated with flood waters. If you have cuts or open wounds that have been exposed to flood waters, keep them as clean as possible, washing them thoroughly with soap and water to control infections. If an injury develops redness, swelling or pus, seek medical attention immediately.
In addition, parents must help their children to avoid disease carried by the water. Do not allow children to play in flooded areas. Wash the children’s hands often (always before eating), and don’t allow children to play with toys contaminated by flood waters that have not been disinfected. You can disinfect the toys with a mix of 1 cup of chlorine and 5 gallons of water.
Important information about recovering after a hurricane or flood
Protect your health and safety when recovering after a hurricane or flood
Avoid getting sick with FOOD
Identify and throw away food that can be dangerous for consumption. Dispose of any food that might have been in contact with storm or flood water. Dispose of canned foods whose containers are open, damaged or bloated. Dispose of food with abnormal odor, color or texture. Dispose of perishable foods (including meat, chicken, fish, eggs and leftovers) that have been at 40° F (4.5° C) or more, during 2 or more hours. Thawed foods with ice crystals or that have been kept under 40° F (4.5° C) may be cooked or refrozen. If cans have been in contact with storm or flood waters, remove the labels, wash them and place them in a solution with 1 cup of domestic use chlorine and 5 gallons (19 liters) of water. Re-label the cans with a marker.
Store the food safely. If power is off try to keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. If power is going to be off for more than 4 hours, place blocks of ice blocks or dry ice in the refrigerator. Wear thick gloves when touching ice.
Avoid getting sick with WATER
Listen and follow authority instructions. Local authorities will tell you if it is safe to drink tap water or if it can only be used to cook or bathe. If water is not apt for consumption, follow local authority instructions of using bottled water or boil or disinfect water for cooking, cleaning or bathing.
Boil or disinfect water correctly. Let water boil during 1 minute to kill bacteria. If you are not able to boil water, add 1/8 tbsp. (approx. 0.75) of odorless domestic use chlorine, fresh out of the store, for each gallon (3.8 liters) of water. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes before using it. You can use purifying tablets instead of boiling or using domestic chlorine. For babies, use only ready-made canned formula. Do not use powdered formulas (milk) prepared with treated water. Clean children’s toys that have been in contact with the water. To clean them, prepare a mix of 1 cup of domestic use chlorine and 5 gallons (19 liters) of water. Allow toys to air dry after cleaning them.
Avoid and tend to OTHER DISEASES AND INJURIES
Avoid carbon monoxide intoxication. Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas produced by several types of devices and is poisonous if inhaled. Do not use generators, pressure washing machines, coal grills, camping kitchens or any other fueled device inside the house, basement, and garage, near a window or fan. Do not leave your car or truck with the engine running inside your home’s garage, even if the door is open. Do not use gas heating systems to heat your home. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off, leave your home immediately and call 911. Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have been intoxicated or feel nauseous or lightheaded.
Stay away from flood waters and mosquitoes. Pay attention to warnings about water on streets and roads. Do not drive vehicles or heavy machinery in areas with water concentrations. If you have to work in flooded places or near them, wear a life best. If you are trapped in an area with increasing water levels, wear a life vest or use any floating device. To prevent mosquito bites wear long pants, socks and long sleeved shirts as well as repellents with DEET or Picardin.
Stay away from construction sites and unstable structures. Stay away from damaged structures or buildings until they have been inspected and declared safe by a building inspector or other government authorities. Leave immediately if you hear any abnormal noise that may indicate that the structure is in the verge of collapse.
Beware of wild or stray animals. Stay away from wild or stray animals. Call local authorities to deal with these animals. Follow local recommendations about disposing of dead animals.
Beware of possible fire or electrocution situations. NEVER touch a downed power line. Call the power company to report the downed line. Do not touch power lines during cleaning chores or other activities. If circuits and electrical equipment are wet, in or near water, shut off the power from the main switch board. Do not restore power until an authorized electrician has inspected the equipment. Do not light candles near flammable objects or leave them unattended. If possible, instead of candles, use flashlights or another type of battery illumination.
Beware of hazardous materials. If handling hazardous materials, wear protective clothes and articles (such as a mask). Rinse your skin if you think that you have touched any dangerous material. Get in touch with local authorities if you are not sure how to handle or dispose of hazardous materials.
Clean and avoid mold formation. Quickly clean and dry your home or building (in the following 24 to 48 hours). Open the doors and windows. Use fans to dry your home or building. To avoid mold growth, clean wet surfaces and items with water and detergent. To remove mold, wear rubber gloves, open doors and windows and clean with a mix of 1 cup of domestic chlorine in 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water. Dispose of porous items (such as carpets and cloth lined furniture) that cannot dry quickly. Repair leaks in ceilings, walls or piping.
Take your time and seek help. Look out for stress or physical or emotional fatigue signs. Establish priorities for cleaning tasks and take your time to perform the chores. If possible, do not work alone. Do not overwork yourself. Seek help from your family, friends or hire somebody. If necessary, seek professional help.
Prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Move heavy items with the help of one or more people. Do not lift anything heavier than 50 pounds (per person).
Stay calm. In hot weather, remain in air conditioned places; take breaks in shaded areas or cool rooms; drink water and non alcoholic beverages frequently; wear light, comfortable clothes in light colors; and perform your outdoor chores during the coolest hours.
Tend to your injuries. Wash all open wounds and cuts with clean soap and water. Apply antibiotic. Get in touch with a doctor to verify if your injury requires additional treatment (such as tetanus shots). If an injury develops redness, swelling or pus, seek medical attention immediately.
Wash your hands. Use water and soap to wash your hands. If there is no water, you can use alcohol based hand washing products.
Wear protective clothes during cleaning chores. Wear helmets, security glasses, resistant gloves and impermeable boots with steel toe and sole protection (not only the shoe shank). Wear earplugs or protective headphones to limit the risk of hearing injuries if there is noise caused by machinery.
