Splash: Flood sanitation advisory from Snohomish Health District
Published on Fri, Nov 20, 2009Read More County & State
SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. --- If your place is at risk of flooding, you can take precautions to stay healthier and safer, say local public health officials. Snohomish Health District’s “Emergency Flood Sanitation” tipsheet includes the “how-to’s” necessary to keep food and drinking water safe, disinfect wells, dispose of sewage and garbage, and clean up your home and belongings after floodwaters recede. The three-page handout is available for download at www.snohd.org, or for pick up at the Health District’s two locations: 3020 Rucker Ave., Suite 104, Everett; and 6101 – 200th St. SW, Lynnwood.
For more information, call the Health District’s Water/Wastewater section at 425.339.5250.
Celebrating 50 years of public health service to Snohomish County in 2009, the Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats.
EMERGENCY FLOOD SANITATION
FLOOD PREPARATION
1. Have emergency food, water and medical supplies in a convenient dry place. Food should require little cooking and no refrigeration.
2. Store water in thoroughly washed containers. Plastic containers such as soft drink bottles are great. Seal tightly, label them and store in a cool dark place. Rotate water every six months.
3. Keep liquid chlorine household bleach handy for use in disinfecting water and in clean-up.
4. Food freezers and refrigerators should be protected, particularly if in basement. Units should be raised or, if possible, removed entirely.
5. If water rises, protect water supply equipment. Remove electric pump to a safe location to protect motor.
6. Remove sump pump before water reaches basement. Pump will be useful in later clean-up operations if you have kept it dry.
7. If time permits, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuating. Don’t touch electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area.
WATER SANITATION
1. Drinking Water - Private water systems that have been flooded should not be used until water is boiled or treated. Bring the water to a full rolling boil for one minute before using. Water used for brushing teeth, washing dishes or foods, requires the same treatment as drinking water.
2. In the event that large quantities of water are required, or boiling is inconvenient because of fuel failures, ordinary liquid household chlorine bleach can be used. Add one-half teaspoon to each five gallons of water, or eight to ten drops to a gallon of water. Double the amount of bleach for cloudy or colored water. Allow the mixture to stand for 30 minutes before using.
3. Once floodwater recedes and power returns, the well will need to be disinfected.
NOTE: If you are on a public water supply and your area has been subject to flooding, check with your local water district or company as to current conditions. Boil your water for one minute if there are any indications of problems.
DISINFECTION OF A WELL
1. Remove any debris that may have entered the well during flooding. Run the water until it becomes clear.
2. Roughly calculate the volume of water in the well. To do this, multiply the number of cubic feet of water by 7 1/2 to determine the number of gallons. (NOTE: For a 36-inch diameter casing, each foot of water equals about 50 gallons. For a 6-inch diameter casing, each foot of water equals about 2 gallons.)
3. Use liquid chlorine bleach (5 1/4 – 6 1/2% chlorine) in an amount equivalent to 1 gallon for each 1,000 gallons of water in the well. Do not use bleach with “additives” such as “fresh scent.”
4. Pour the required quantity of bleach into the well. Connect a garden hose to the nearest outside faucet and circulate the water through the hose and back into the well. This will mix the chlorine with the water and the pump will draw the chlorine to the bottom of the well. After you start smelling the chlorine in the water coming out of the hose, work the hose around to rinse the upper portion of the well with the disinfectant. (NOTE: If you cannot reach the well with a hose, you can rinse the upper portion of the casing by pouring chlorinated water down the inside of the case using a bucket. Mix 1 cup chlorine bleach per bucket of water.)
5. Draw water at every water outlet connected to the system until a strong chlorine odor is perceptible.
6. Allow the disinfectant to remain in the system overnight (24 hours is preferable).
7. Use one or more outside faucets to draw water out of the well to remove the chlorine. The well should be thoroughly and repeatedly flushed to remove the chlorine. All of the water lines should also be flushed.
8. After following this procedure and rendering the water completely free of disinfectant, you should wait a minimum of seven (7) days following disinfection of a drilled well prior to resampling. You should wait a minimum of fourteen (14) days following disinfection of a dug well prior to resampling. This bacteriological analysis will indicate whether or not the underground source of water is safe for consumption.
Water sample bottles are available at the Snohomish Health District, Environmental Health Section, Room 104, located in the Rucker Building, 3020 Rucker Avenue, Everett, or at the South County Clinic, 6101 200th Street SW, Lynnwood. Water bottles must be brought in to the Rucker building. There is a $16 fee to test the water for coliform bacteria, payable when the water sample is brought in.
FOOD AND MILK CONTAMINATION
1. Destroy foods, medicines, and cosmetics in cardboard containers or other packages that are not hermetically sealed, and which have been in contact with flood waters. This includes flour, cereal and other commodities in bags or packages. Cans should be rinsed in a dilute bleach solution before opening.
2. Fresh fruit and vegetable products which have been contaminated should be discarded.
3. Use only commercially pasteurized or canned milk that has not been subject to flood waters.
4. If the refrigeration is off for more than 4 hours, some foods may become unsafe for consumption. Contact the Snohomish Health District Food Section at 425.339.5250 for advice.
5. If the power is off, dry ice obtained from the nearest source (such as dairies) may be used to preserve food for many hours.
6. When in doubt about the safety of any food or drug product, throw it out.
SEWAGE AND GARBAGE DISPOSAL
1. Septic tanks should be checked and pumped out if necessary after floodwaters recede. Drainfields should need replacing only if severely damaged or eroded.
2. If temporary pit privies are used, lime should be used in the pit frequently to keep down odors and flies, and again when the pit is abandoned.
3. Garbage should be taken to a county drop-box or transfer station for proper disposal.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Wet or flooded fixtures and wires present a serious threat of fire or electrocution. To reduce the danger of electrical shock or fire, do not attempt to use electricity until it’s thoroughly checked by a qualified professional.
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
1. Items made of wood, metal or of other hard substances, including glass and chinaware, should be thoroughly scrubbed with soap and hot water and then allowed to dry.
2. Clothing, bedding and other items made of soft materials, should be either thoroughly laundered or dry-cleaned. Mattresses and stuffed furniture cannot be adequately cleaned, even with steam, and should be discarded.
3. Wet-washed items should be dried for 10 hours. Whenever possible, drying should be done in the direct sunlight.
4. Wash your hands in soap and water immediately after handling objects recovered from the flood areas. Keep your hands away from your mouth while cleaning or otherwise handling these items.
BUILDING CLEAN-UP
1. Clear out trash and mud and remove from building. Arrangements for a dumpster, if needed, should be made with your refuse collection company.
2. Flush with clean water - if possible with a hose under pressure. Do not use river water for this.
3. Scrub floors and walls and all other surfaces which people are likely to touch. Do this with soap and hot water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Drain off water.
4. After scrubbing flooded surfaces, a disinfectant solution (one ounce of household bleach to four gallons of water) should be used.
5. Open all doors and windows and allow the entire building and everything in it to dry thoroughly. Do not reoccupy building for at least 10 hours after the drying has been completed.
6. Check flues, chimneys, wiring and plumbing.
7. Check for weakened foundations and warped doors and windows.
8. Floodwater may carry a variety of germs and contaminants. Wash your hands frequently with soap and disinfected water to prevent the spread of disease. If you can, wear gloves and boots at all times.
9. If sewage has overflowed inside the residence, refer to the Snohomish Health District’s “Guidelines for Cleaning Indoor Sewage Spills” for cleanup procedures.
OTHER RESOURCES
For more information about flood hazards and assistance:
Snohomish County Department American Red Cross
of Emergency Management Snohomish County Chapter
3509 109th Street SW 2530 Lombard Avenue
Everett, WA 98204 Everett, WA 98201
425.423.7635 425.252.4103
Flood information – 24-hour recordings:
Skykomish - Snohomish 425.388.3653
Snoqualmie 425.388.3653
Stillaguamish 425.388.3702
For more information, call the Health District’s Water/Wastewater section at 425.339.5250.
Celebrating 50 years of public health service to Snohomish County in 2009, the Snohomish Health District works for a safer and healthier community through disease prevention, health promotion, and protection from environmental threats.
EMERGENCY FLOOD SANITATION
FLOOD PREPARATION
1. Have emergency food, water and medical supplies in a convenient dry place. Food should require little cooking and no refrigeration.
2. Store water in thoroughly washed containers. Plastic containers such as soft drink bottles are great. Seal tightly, label them and store in a cool dark place. Rotate water every six months.
3. Keep liquid chlorine household bleach handy for use in disinfecting water and in clean-up.
4. Food freezers and refrigerators should be protected, particularly if in basement. Units should be raised or, if possible, removed entirely.
5. If water rises, protect water supply equipment. Remove electric pump to a safe location to protect motor.
6. Remove sump pump before water reaches basement. Pump will be useful in later clean-up operations if you have kept it dry.
7. If time permits, turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuating. Don’t touch electrical equipment unless it is in a dry area.
WATER SANITATION
1. Drinking Water - Private water systems that have been flooded should not be used until water is boiled or treated. Bring the water to a full rolling boil for one minute before using. Water used for brushing teeth, washing dishes or foods, requires the same treatment as drinking water.
2. In the event that large quantities of water are required, or boiling is inconvenient because of fuel failures, ordinary liquid household chlorine bleach can be used. Add one-half teaspoon to each five gallons of water, or eight to ten drops to a gallon of water. Double the amount of bleach for cloudy or colored water. Allow the mixture to stand for 30 minutes before using.
3. Once floodwater recedes and power returns, the well will need to be disinfected.
NOTE: If you are on a public water supply and your area has been subject to flooding, check with your local water district or company as to current conditions. Boil your water for one minute if there are any indications of problems.
DISINFECTION OF A WELL
1. Remove any debris that may have entered the well during flooding. Run the water until it becomes clear.
2. Roughly calculate the volume of water in the well. To do this, multiply the number of cubic feet of water by 7 1/2 to determine the number of gallons. (NOTE: For a 36-inch diameter casing, each foot of water equals about 50 gallons. For a 6-inch diameter casing, each foot of water equals about 2 gallons.)
3. Use liquid chlorine bleach (5 1/4 – 6 1/2% chlorine) in an amount equivalent to 1 gallon for each 1,000 gallons of water in the well. Do not use bleach with “additives” such as “fresh scent.”
4. Pour the required quantity of bleach into the well. Connect a garden hose to the nearest outside faucet and circulate the water through the hose and back into the well. This will mix the chlorine with the water and the pump will draw the chlorine to the bottom of the well. After you start smelling the chlorine in the water coming out of the hose, work the hose around to rinse the upper portion of the well with the disinfectant. (NOTE: If you cannot reach the well with a hose, you can rinse the upper portion of the casing by pouring chlorinated water down the inside of the case using a bucket. Mix 1 cup chlorine bleach per bucket of water.)
5. Draw water at every water outlet connected to the system until a strong chlorine odor is perceptible.
6. Allow the disinfectant to remain in the system overnight (24 hours is preferable).
7. Use one or more outside faucets to draw water out of the well to remove the chlorine. The well should be thoroughly and repeatedly flushed to remove the chlorine. All of the water lines should also be flushed.
8. After following this procedure and rendering the water completely free of disinfectant, you should wait a minimum of seven (7) days following disinfection of a drilled well prior to resampling. You should wait a minimum of fourteen (14) days following disinfection of a dug well prior to resampling. This bacteriological analysis will indicate whether or not the underground source of water is safe for consumption.
Water sample bottles are available at the Snohomish Health District, Environmental Health Section, Room 104, located in the Rucker Building, 3020 Rucker Avenue, Everett, or at the South County Clinic, 6101 200th Street SW, Lynnwood. Water bottles must be brought in to the Rucker building. There is a $16 fee to test the water for coliform bacteria, payable when the water sample is brought in.
FOOD AND MILK CONTAMINATION
1. Destroy foods, medicines, and cosmetics in cardboard containers or other packages that are not hermetically sealed, and which have been in contact with flood waters. This includes flour, cereal and other commodities in bags or packages. Cans should be rinsed in a dilute bleach solution before opening.
2. Fresh fruit and vegetable products which have been contaminated should be discarded.
3. Use only commercially pasteurized or canned milk that has not been subject to flood waters.
4. If the refrigeration is off for more than 4 hours, some foods may become unsafe for consumption. Contact the Snohomish Health District Food Section at 425.339.5250 for advice.
5. If the power is off, dry ice obtained from the nearest source (such as dairies) may be used to preserve food for many hours.
6. When in doubt about the safety of any food or drug product, throw it out.
SEWAGE AND GARBAGE DISPOSAL
1. Septic tanks should be checked and pumped out if necessary after floodwaters recede. Drainfields should need replacing only if severely damaged or eroded.
2. If temporary pit privies are used, lime should be used in the pit frequently to keep down odors and flies, and again when the pit is abandoned.
3. Garbage should be taken to a county drop-box or transfer station for proper disposal.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Wet or flooded fixtures and wires present a serious threat of fire or electrocution. To reduce the danger of electrical shock or fire, do not attempt to use electricity until it’s thoroughly checked by a qualified professional.
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
1. Items made of wood, metal or of other hard substances, including glass and chinaware, should be thoroughly scrubbed with soap and hot water and then allowed to dry.
2. Clothing, bedding and other items made of soft materials, should be either thoroughly laundered or dry-cleaned. Mattresses and stuffed furniture cannot be adequately cleaned, even with steam, and should be discarded.
3. Wet-washed items should be dried for 10 hours. Whenever possible, drying should be done in the direct sunlight.
4. Wash your hands in soap and water immediately after handling objects recovered from the flood areas. Keep your hands away from your mouth while cleaning or otherwise handling these items.
BUILDING CLEAN-UP
1. Clear out trash and mud and remove from building. Arrangements for a dumpster, if needed, should be made with your refuse collection company.
2. Flush with clean water - if possible with a hose under pressure. Do not use river water for this.
3. Scrub floors and walls and all other surfaces which people are likely to touch. Do this with soap and hot water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. Drain off water.
4. After scrubbing flooded surfaces, a disinfectant solution (one ounce of household bleach to four gallons of water) should be used.
5. Open all doors and windows and allow the entire building and everything in it to dry thoroughly. Do not reoccupy building for at least 10 hours after the drying has been completed.
6. Check flues, chimneys, wiring and plumbing.
7. Check for weakened foundations and warped doors and windows.
8. Floodwater may carry a variety of germs and contaminants. Wash your hands frequently with soap and disinfected water to prevent the spread of disease. If you can, wear gloves and boots at all times.
9. If sewage has overflowed inside the residence, refer to the Snohomish Health District’s “Guidelines for Cleaning Indoor Sewage Spills” for cleanup procedures.
OTHER RESOURCES
For more information about flood hazards and assistance:
Snohomish County Department American Red Cross
of Emergency Management Snohomish County Chapter
3509 109th Street SW 2530 Lombard Avenue
Everett, WA 98204 Everett, WA 98201
425.423.7635 425.252.4103
Flood information – 24-hour recordings:
Skykomish - Snohomish 425.388.3653
Snoqualmie 425.388.3653
Stillaguamish 425.388.3702
