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With more possible flooding coming our way, San Mateo County Health Officer, Dr. Scott Morrow is warning people about the health and safety risks of the floodwater. Over New Year's weekend, many people were seen having fun on the flooded streets with paddle boards and kayaks. According to Dr. Scott Morrow in a County Release Article,
Floodwater can contain all kinds of dangerous materials, and it is obviously best to avoid any contact with the water. Raw sewage, animal waste, toxic substances, chemical compounds, fungus, bacteria – things you would rather avoid – may be in the water, and you need to take precautions to avoid illness or injury.
The following guidelines were provided in the County article on how to handle floods:
- Wear boots and gloves when working in areas that have been flooded.
- Be sure the main electrical switch is off before entering a flooded structure. Do not turn it back on until you are certain there has been no damage to wires or appliances connected to the electrical system.
- If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, call 911. Then call PG&E at (800) 743-5000. Warn your neighbors of the potential problem.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. If you have children who have been in contact with the water, be sure they wash their hands, too.
- Keep children and pets away from floodwaters and avoid outdoor areas that have been recently flooded. Remove shoes and wipe paws before returning indoors.
- If you have open cuts or sores, protect them from the water. Keep them clean by washing them with soap and applying an antibiotic ointment to discourage infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
- If you swallow floodwater, you should see a physician immediately because of the risk of hepatitis A infection. “While the hepatitis A virus will not pass through skin, it poses a threat to those who consume floodwater. Your physician will determine whether you should receive a shot of immune globulin to prevent infection,” Dr. Morrow said.
- If you are uncertain about the quality of drinking water, use bottled water. Check with your local water provider for any boil water orders. If you have a domestic well, it may require disinfection if it was impacted by floodwaters. See guidelines here: smchealth.org/welluse
- Don’t let children play with toys that have been in contact with floodwater until the toys have been disinfected. You can disinfect toys using a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water.
- For general disinfection of surfaces, use a cloth soaked with 1 tablespoon of bleach in one gallon of water.
- If the power was off, throw away all discolored or foul-smelling food, especially meat, poultry and fish in the refrigerator. Freezer foods may last from 48 to 72 hours if the freezer is full and the door remained closed. If in doubt, throw it out.
- Contact your local sewer authority if solid waste from sewage is visible.
- Contact your insurance company for additional guidance if your home sustained water damage.
- See more information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on flood recovery: www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.html