Tips for flood victims
Saturday, December 8, 2007 3:07 AM PST
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Flood victims can reduce property damage and limit exposure to health risks by following these tips.
"When you have rising water from rivers and streams, it flows across the ground and picks up all kinds of contamination," said Jeff Bishop, technical advisor for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, a nonprofit organization based in Vancouver which sets certification standards in water damage restoration. "The water can be contaminated with all types of hazardous waste, including decaying insects, animal droppings, oils and fluids from roadways and fertilizers from fields and gardens."
The Cowlitz County Health Department offers this advice:
-- Children should not play in flood water or anything that has touched it. Toys may be disinfected in a solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water. Wash children's hands frequently.
-- Do not eat or drink anything contaminated with flood water.
-- If open wounds or sores are exposed to flood water, wash well, and seek medical attention if redness or swelling develops. If you have not had a tetanus shot in 10 years, get one.
-- Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
-- Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles during cleanup of affected areas.
-- Let all electrical systems and appliances dry completely before use. Consult your utility company with any questions about your electrical equipment.
-- If any propane tanks were submerged, they are in danger of exploding if you move them yourself. Call your police or fire department.
-- Wear insulated gloves when handling car batteries.
For more information, contact the Cowlitz County Health Department at (360) 414-5599 or 414-5583.
Bishop of IICRC offers these tips to clean up after floods:
--- Use precaution when entering flooded buildings. Make sure the power is off and the structure is sound before you enter.
-- Be wary of the air you breathe. Wear an organic vapor respirator, available from paint and construction shops. Keep the affected rooms ventilated by placing a fan in the window. Work outward from the fan as you clean.
-- Cover up. Try to keep the contaminated water away from your skin. Animals may also seek shelter inside, so wear leather or canvas gloves.
-- Know what items to throw away. Items that absorb water shouldn't be restored, as the water may be contaminated. Drywall, carpeting, mattresses, pillows, box springs, carpet pads, particle board and possibly plywood should be discarded if wet. Always slash pillows and mattresses so they won’t be re-used by Dumpster divers later.
-- Clothing may be salvageable. A 10-minute soak in detergent and hot water should remove most stubborn stains. Wash in hot water and detergent separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens. Use a Laundromat for washing large quantities of clothes until your onsite sewage system is functional.
-- Remove damaged walls. Find the waterline and measure 15 to 20 inches above it. Everything below that may need to go.
-- Prevent mold growth. Although it takes a few days to appear, mold thrives with a moist environment, organic material (such as paper or particle board), and temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees.
-- Dry out before you rebuild. Lumber moisture meters, although not found at local hardware stores, are available online. These typically cost between $60 and several hundred dollars. To prevent dry rot and infection, don't cover wood until its moisture content falls below 16 percent.
-- Consider hiring a professional water damage restoration company. Call the IICRC hot line at (800) 835-4624, or go to
-- Beware of scam artists targeting storm victims. When approached by any company for water restoration services, ask to see the technician's official IICRC wallet card that confirms training and certification. You may also call the IICRC hot line.
The Washington State Department of Health offers these tips in dealing with your water and food.
-- If your power or water has been recently restored, do not assume the water is safe to drink. If your drinking water well is flooded, assume that the water in your home is contaminated and switch to bottled, disinfected or boiled water until your water is tested.
--- Boil water for 3-5 minutes. Let the water cool before drinking.
-- To disinfect water with bleach, use 10 drops per gallon of water or one teaspoon for 10 gallons. Do not use scented or "color-safe" bleaches. Let the treated water stand 30 or more minutes before using.
If your power has been out, food safety is also an issue. Some reminders:
-- If perishable food is cold to the touch, and you know it has not been above 45 degrees for more than one or two hours, it is probably safe to keep, use or refreeze.
-- Discard all meat, seafood, dairy products or cooked food that does not feel cold to the touch. If in doubt, throw it out.
-- Never taste suspect food. It may look and smell fine, even though the bacteria that cause foodborne illness are present.
www.CertifiedCleaners.org for a list of certified restorers in your area.
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