Immediate flood cleanup minimizes post-storm damage

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. – Aug. 21, 2008 – As areas of Florida begin to cleanup from Tropical Storm Fay, homeowners should react quickly to disinfect surfaces, prevent damage from becoming worse and make repairs.

Water may contain material from overflowing sewage systems, and if so, the following measures should be taken:

• Walls, hard-surfaced floors and many other household surfaces must be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to five gallons of water.
• Thoroughly disinfect surfaces that come in contact with food and children’s play areas.
• Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry-clean.
• Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, must be air dried in the sun and sprayed thoroughly with a disinfectant.
• Steam-clean all carpeting.
• Fiberboard, fibrous insulation and disposable filters that have contacted floodwater or sewage should be replaced in your heating and air conditioning system.
• Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves.
• Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants.
• In general, materials that cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be discarded.

When making home repairs, the Florida Department of Health (DOH) suggests the following safety precautions:

• Work in pairs or groups. Take short breaks and work during the cooler hours of the day.
• Wear goggles, heavy gloves and steel-toed boots.
• Immediately clean all open wounds and cuts with soap and clean water. Cuts beyond minor scratches may require medical attention.
• Never assume that water-damaged structures are safe; leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises occur.
• Avoid lifting more than 50 pounds of debris or building materials. Two or more people should move bulky objects.
• Avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion by wearing light-colored, loose- fitting clothing and drinking a glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes.
• Never bring gasoline or diesel-powered pumps, generators or pressure washers indoors as they release carbon monoxide – a deadly, colorless, odorless gas.
• Only experienced individuals should use chain saws and specialized equipment. When using chain saws or other heavy equipment, wear earplugs.
• To prevent electrocution in wet areas, turn power off at the main breaker.
• Never handle a downed power line.
• Set priorities for clean-up tasks and pace the work over several days or weeks.
• Avoid exhaustion. Taking frequent rest breaks and resume a normal sleep schedule as soon as possible.
• Take advantage of disaster relief programs and services in your community.

For further information, contact a local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.Floridadisaster.org; or call the Florida Emergency Information Line at (800) 342-3557, or the Public Information Emergency Support Function at (850) 921-0384.

© 2008 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
 

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