CDC Recommendations for Dealing with Flood Water

Despite the National Hurricane Center’s earlier predictions about the strength of the storm, Hurricane Michael remains on track to strike the Florida panhandle, though now it is doing so as a Category 4 storm.  This means Michael, the first hurricane of this size to make landfall in the panhandle, will hit with 145 mph sustained winds, more than enough to cause major wind damage. Also of note, the central pressure of the storm is continuing to fall and was down to 933 millibars, just shy of the most intense hurricanes to make landfall on record in the US.  This rapid intensification has been enough to convince The Weather Channel crews on the ground to flee ahead of Michael’s landfall. In addition, there are now tornado watches in effect throughout Florida, Georgia, and parts of the Carolinas. Mandatory evacuation notices were issued for all coastal communities on Monday morning. Although by early Wednesday, with tropical storm force winds and rain already underway and streets in coastal communities already flooding, the time to flee had passed.

Forecast models suggest that, like Florence, Michael has the potential to do catastrophic water damage, dropping as much as 13 inches of rain and generating a storm surge of up to 14 feet in some areas. These conditions can be extremely dangerous, as flood waters not only pose immediate risks, but as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights, they can have long term impacts on health and safety.

In addition to swift currents, flood waters can also hide immediate hazards like nails, screws, and broken glass—highly likely after a destructive storm. Even more troubling, these waters have the potential to contain sewage from damaged septic systems, agricultural and/or public waste water facilities. This increases the risk of spreading infectious disease to anyone moving through the waters.

While you may be in a hurry to get up and running as soon as possible, rushing to your facilities to get cleaned up could be putting grounds and cleaning crews at risk. Check out some of the helpful tips from the CDC for addressing the fallout of the storm and lingering flood waters.

Cleanup at the Facility

• Be sure to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during facility cleanup. If the storm created conditions for mold damage, wear the right gear to protect yourself.
• Get rid of any items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and paper products).
• Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters, including materials located a foot higher than the high-water line.
• Thoroughly clean and sanitize all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
• Speed up the drying process using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers.
• After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and clean water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands); or you may use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use:

• • When using 5-6% 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. Stir well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy, add a little less than ¼ teaspoon (16 drops or about 1 milliliter) per 1 gallon of water.
  • When using 8.25% unscented liquid household chlorine bleach – add a little less than 1/8 teaspoon (6 drops or about 0.5 milliliters) per 1 gallon of clear water. Stir well, and let it stand for 30 minutes before using. If the water is cloudy, add 12 drops (or about 1 milliliter) per 1 gallon of water.

• Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent, preferably at an off-site laundromat. Do not use any onsite laundry equipment until your waste-water system has been professionally inspected and serviced.
• Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Other Concerns

• Flood waters can contain infectious diseases, such as E. coli or Salmonella. Be careful and use proper handwashing techniques after any contact with flood water, or items affected by flood water.
• There is an increased risk of Leptospirosis following a flood. Be sure that all water is treated prior to drinking, especially if it comes from a source that was potentially affected by exposure to animal urine or runoff.
  • Keep an eye out for rodent activity, particularly around food. Keep uncontaminated food and water in closed containers and trap any rodents you may see.
• Avoid exposure to flood waters if you have any open wounds, as these are a vector for serious infection, and seek medical attention if you suspect you may be at risk.
• Be aware of chemical risks, as any hazardous material containers kept at your facility may have been damaged during the storm, and their contents could be in the water.
  • If you come across any propane tanks or other explosive containers that may have shifted or washed into your facility, do not approach them. Call emergency services and let them send an appropriate response team.
• Be aware of potential electrical hazards, such as fallen power lines or car batteries. Do not drive through any standing water where a power line has fallen.