FLOOD CLEANUP FULL

Never use generators, pressure washers, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage, or camper-or even outside near an open window, door, or vent.

Keep children and pets away from the affected area until cleanup has been completed.

Don’t return to the building until you’re told it’s safe to do so.

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave your house/building and contact emergency authorities right away! Don’t turn on the lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that can cause a spark.

Leave your home or other building if you hear any shifting or strange noises- this could mean it’s about to fall.

Wait until daylight to return to buildings so it’s easier to see and avoid any hazards- especially if the power is out.

Stay away from any damaged buildings or structures until a building inspector or other government authority has had a chance to examine it and certify that it’s safe.

For more tips on washing your hands, see Clean Hands Save Lives: Emergency Situations.īe careful with floodwater- it can contain dangerous bacteriaīe careful when entering damaged buildings.

These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent.

Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or sick.

If you have any open cuts or sores that were exposed to floodwater, wash them with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent an infection.

If the water is cloudy, add a little less than ¼ teaspoon (16 drops or about 1 milliliter) per 1 gallon of water. Stir well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using.

Use 5%-9% unscented liquid household chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (8 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) per 1 gallon of clear water.

Use water that’s been disinfected for personal hygiene:.

Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing) or.

If there is a boil-water advisory in effect:.

Wash up with soap and water once you’re done cleaning.

You may not be able to kill germs on some toys - like stuffed animals and baby toys.

Wash off toys carefully with your cleaner.

Make a cleaning fluid by mixing 1 cup of bleach in 5 gallons of water.

To keep your kids safe, make sure their toys are clean: Remember that anything that’s had contact with floodwater could carry germs.

For more information on protecting yourself against heat-related illness, see the CDC Extreme Heat Web site .

Do outdoor activities during cooler hours.

In hot weather, try to stay cool by staying in air-conditioned buildings, taking breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms, drinking water and nonalcoholic fluids often, and wearing light and loose-fitting clothing.

For tips on safely operating a chain saw, see Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster.

Use extreme caution to avoid electrical shock when using an electric chain saw.

Avoid contact with power lines, and take extra care in cutting trees or branches that are bent or caught under something else.

Make sure to wear appropriate protective gear, and be sure that bystanders are a safe distance away.

When using a chain saw, always follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Get support from family members, friends, counselors, or therapists.

Try to work with other people, so you aren’t alone.

If you lift too much on your own, you could hurt yourself.

Get help lifting heavy or bulky objects.

That way, you’re less likely to be overwhelmed.

Decide which cleanup tasks are most important, and focus on those first.

Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).Ĭleaning up your home can be a big job.

Have teams of at least two people work together to move heavy or bulky objects.If sewage is involved, make sure to wear the following during your cleanup: At least two fire extinguishers (each with a UL rating of at least 10A).Earplugs or protective headphones (if you’re working with noisy equipment).Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank).N95 masks (or a respirator with a higher protection level).

FLOOD CLEANUP FULL

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Flood cleanup