May 11, 2005
When Floodwaters Recede, Dangers Remain
Floods are a troublesome and sometimes dangerous rite of spring in Montana, and the threat they pose does not necessarily recede along with the floodwaters.
Several kinds of illness are more common in areas that have experienced flooding, according to state officials. The major reasons are contaminated food and water.
Among the other hazards that floods may leave behind are broken gas lines, electrical hazards, and structurally damaged buildings.
For those who must return to flood-stricken homes, the Montana Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) have compiled a list of tips for cleaning up after a flood. These tips are available online at both www.dphhs.mt.gov and www.deq.mt.gov .
"Floodwater can contain sewage or harmful chemicals," said Howard Reid, manager of the food, drug and cosmetics program for DPHHS. "One of the most important things people can do to protect their health when cleaning up after a flood is to wash their hands often--especially before eating."
Of course, hands must be washed in uncontaminated water, Reid noted, and that means all water that could possibly have been contaminated by flooding must be disinfected. This includes water from wells, springs and cisterns.
If flooding has disabled utilities, making it temporarily impossible to disinfect a flooded well, bottled water may be the best alternative. Other water used for drinking, cooking or washing should be treated in one of two ways:
- Boil it for 5 minutes and then store in a clean container,
- Or mix five drops of household bleach into every quart and let stand at least 5 minutes (preferably 30 minutes to an hour) before using.
Among the other tips offered by the state are:
- Discard food that has been exposed to floodwaters. Sealed metal cans and hermetically sealed packages with intact protective outer coverings may be salvaged, but they must be carefully cleaned and disinfected before opening and using their contents. Containers with screw tops or lids cannot be adequately disinfected and should be discarded.
- Discard refrigerated food if the power has been out for more than 6 hours or the food has been warmed to above 45 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 3 hours. Discard most frozen foods that have thawed and sat for more than 4 hours at temperatures above 45 degrees F. Some bread products and frozen juices can be refrozen even under these circumstances.
- Adhere to the adage, "When in doubt, throw it out."
- Do not enter a building that has been flooded until there are no doubts about its safety.
- Be cautious entering enclosed spaces where gasses may have accumulated.
- Follow the instructions of your utility company concerning the restoration of gas and electrical service.
- Launder flooded clothing and bedding using a disinfectant such as bleach. Discard mattresses with absorbent ticking that have been soaked.
- Discard all medicines exposed to floodwaters.
- Discard all soaked stuffed toys, and disinfect other children's toys and play equipment.
- Steam-clean all carpeting that has been soaked.
- Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and gloves while cleaning up debris and scrubbing flood-damaged interiors and furniture.
- Monitor the radio and other media for current information, including travel restrictions.
For more information about flood cleanup, contact your county disaster and emergency preparedness service, the Food and Consumer Safety Section of DPHHS at 444-2408, or the Public Water Supply and Subdivisions Bureau of DEQ at 444-4400.
Page last updated: 06/15/2006
