After the flood: How to stay safe and clean up

The dangers of flooding doesn't end after the rain stops.

Floodwater, which comes in contact with sewage and animal feces, can carry diseases like hepatitis and E. coli.

"Treat it as if it was like raw sewage," said Dr. Christopher Ziebell, an Austin emergency department doctor now at U.S. Acute Care Solutions. He said warm floodwater is a great environment for the bacteria to multiply.

Floodwater is also filled with hazardous chemicals from homes, industrial sites and underground tanks.

Avoid standing water. You can’t see the hazards that might be lurking, such as sharp objects. Be especially cautious if your immune system is compromised or you have an open wound. If you do come in contact with floodwater, clean yourself off, especially before handling food or food products.

If you get cut, clean the wound well with soap as soon as possible. If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years, get one, especially if you get cut by debris.

Everything that floodwater touched should be cleaned with a bleach and clean water solution.

Keep your water safe

If you have a well that has been touched by floodwater, boil your water or use bottled water for the time being. If the outsides of your bottles of water were touched by floodwater, clean them with a bleach solution before you drink from them.

Be aware of any boil water notices. If you need to boil your water, bring it to a rolling boil for at least one minute before it is considered safe to drink. If you cannot boil it, put one-eighth of a teaspoon (about eight drops) of bleach into a gallon of water. Stir it and let it sit for 30 minutes.

Keep your food safe

If your food or medications touched floodwater, throw them out. It’s not safe

If you lose power, your refrigerator can keep food cold for four hours if it is closed. If food reaches room temperature, it’s safe for two hours only.

Your freezer, with the door shut, can keep things cold for 24 to 48 hours. If the thermometer in the freezer gets above 40 degrees, the food is probably no longer safe. If the food is partially frozen, it can be refrozen.

If there is a doubt, get rid of the food.

Mosquitoes follow flooding

Water is a feeding ground for mosquitoes. The season for the West Nile virus, which is carried by mosquitoes, is just beginning. Take these precautions:

• Dump out any flowerpots, gutters or other containers that might be holding water.
• Dispose of standing water or alert your city if you see public areas that aren't draining.
• Use mosquito repellent in the coming weeks to keep yourself safe.

Clean up safely after flooding

If your house floods and you need to clean it:

• Ensure the power is off if standing water remains. Have an electrician shut it off for you.
• Don’t be in a hurry. Be overly cautious about the dangers around you and go slowly.
• Dress for safety. Wear eye protection, closed-toed shoes, a face mask and gloves. Use a respirator if you are going to be in an enclosed space where a lot of floodwater has been. Purchase a hard hat.
• Go during the day when you can see what’s around you.