State health department issues caution regarding flooding

With polluted floodwaters rising in Kentucky, the state Department for Public Health is reminding residents of how to deal with it in healthful ways.

“We urge Kentuckians to use caution in flooded areas, and once floodwaters recede and the clean-up begins, to keep yourself and your family safe,” said Rebecca Gillis, director of the Division of Public Health Protection and Safety. “Taking the time to follow safety guidelines related to food safety, mold removal and other issues helps prevent unnecessary injury and illness.”

The guidelines include:

Flood Waters

• Flood cleanup poses risks of wounds, so cleanup workers should be sure that they are up-to-date with tetanus vaccinations, ideally before starting cleanup activities. Adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. Td or Tdap can be used; getting the Tdap instead of Td for one tetanus booster during adulthood is recommended to maintain protection against pertussis (whooping cough). Being up-to-date for tetanus vaccine can greatly simplify wound treatment.
• Flood-related drowning can occur when people become trapped by rising flood waters or when voluntarily enter flooded areas. Never enter flood waters unless you are escaping immediate danger. Do not attempt to drive a vehicle through flood waters, even if they appear shallow. Monitor the weather conditions and water levels to avoid becoming surrounded by water.
• Floods can damage utilities, leading to downed power lines and a risk of electrocution. Stay clear of damaged power lines. Natural gas and propane systems can produce dangerous gas leaks. If you smell gas, open doors and windows and evacuate the area.

Home Clean-up and Mold Removal

• Wear proper safety equipment, such as work gloves, boots, helmets, eye and ear protection, and chainsaw chaps when operating power tools or machinery.
• Ensure that all electrical tools are properly grounded and use ground-fault interrupters if available. Never use electrically powered tools in or near standing water.
• Homeowners whose homes sustained water damage are urged to follow recommendations to limit mold growth. Mold fungi can be found both indoors and outside, and can accumulate in homes affected by water damage.
• Signs of mold include discolored walls, possibly showing water damage, or green or black spots on walls. Mold also has a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench. Allergy sufferers tend to be most affected by it.
• If mold is growing in your home, you will need to clean it up and fix the moisture problem. Mold can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Severe mold cases may require an expert.
• Doors and windows should be open while cleaning affected areas. Use protective glasses or goggles, rubber boots and waterproof gloves, and wash clothing afterwards. If there is heavy mold growth, use a respirator or suitable mask to prevent breathing the mold. Remove all wet items that have been wet for more than 48 hours and cannot be cleaned and dried.

Food Safety

• Think about food safety if you have been affected by power outages. Keep freezers closed to maintain proper temperature for frozen foods. A freezer will hold its appropriate temperature for approximately 48 hours when full, and for 24 hours when half full. If you have power outages, it is best to keep freezers closed to help keep frozen food from going bad.
• Refrigerated foods should be safe as long as power is out for no more than four hours. Throw away any perishable food in your refrigerator, such as meat, poultry, lunch meats, fish, dairy products, eggs and any prepared or cooked foods that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours.

For more on health issues and flooding, visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/index.html or
https://healthalerts.ky.gov/Pages/FloodSafety.aspx.