Returning Home After the Flood

If you were affected by recent flooding, the Whatcom County Health Department is recommending that you follow general health and safety precautions when returning to your home and cleaning up after the flood.

Flood waters are contaminated.  Although skin contact with flood water does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, there is a risk of disease from eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water.  If you have any open cuts or sores that will be exposed to flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing thoroughly with soap to prevent infection.  If you have a wound that develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.

In addition, parents need to help children avoid waterborne illness.  Do not allow children to play in flood water areas, wash children's hands frequently (always before meals), and do not allow children to play with toys that have come into contact with flood water until you have disinfected them.  You can disinfect toys using a solution of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water.  Put toys into bucket for 1 minute, rinse with clean water, and then allow to dry. 

If your drinking water well was flooded, assume that the water in your home is contaminated.  Follow the Emergency Disinfection of Drinking Water guidelines on our website for water that you need immediately.  Your well will also need to be disinfected, follow the Well Disinfection guidelines on our website.  Your on-site sewage system may not be functioning very well while the soil is saturated.  Limit water use until the soil drains to prevent sewage from backing up onto the surface of the ground or into your home. 

Your utilities may have been damaged in the flood.  If you have natural gas or propane appliances, make sure you do not have a gas leak.  If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately.  Notify the gas company or fire department, and do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.  If there are power lines down, or you see damaged wiring or sparks, you should immediately shut off the power at the circuit breaker.  Contact the power company for further direction. 

Once inside make sure to:

• Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves and eye protection during cleanup.
• Remove and dispose of items that cannot be washed and disinfected (mattresses, carpeting, stuffed animals, etc.).  Also see Cleaning up after a Sewage Spill guidelines on our website.
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood water.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a bleach solution.
• Use fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers to help the drying process.
• After cleanup, or handling any items contaminated with flood water or sewage, wash your hands with soap and clean water.
• Wash all clothes contaminated by flood water in hot water.  Wash them separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• If you become injured or sick, contact your doctor.

Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or fuel from their normal storage areas.  Propane tanks may also have been carried with flood water and deposited on your property.  If you locate any suspicious containers or tanks do not attempt to move them yourself.  These present a real danger of explosion or fire, and if found should be reported to the fire department. 

For more information contact the Whatcom County Health Department at (360) 676-6724 or www.whatcomcounty.us.

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