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Wisconsin Department of Health Services

 

Flooding Health and Safety Tips

How to Reduce Exposure to Mosquitoes After a Flood The Department of Health Services explains reasons for an increase in mosquitoes and personal protection practices against bites.

Health and Safety Guidance for Flood Recovery (PDF, 5.9) The Department of Health Services issued a document compiling  information about flood recovery.  The information focuses on community respirator use, how to properly fit a N95 respirator, and a mold fact sheet and contractor list.

CDC Emergency Preparedness & Response: Floods (exit DHFS)
American Red Cross: Repairing Your Flooded Home (exit DHFS)
American Red Cross: Generator Safety (exit DHFS)

Garbage Precautions

  • Place household garbage, like food waste, in waterproof containers. Typically, your municipality will set up temporary disposal sites that should be used. It is important to remove household garbage every four days during the disaster.

  • Garbage can attract animals and disease-bearing insects. If possible, store garbage in a rigid container.

  • We recommend that you keep records of all of the items you discard for insurance purposes.

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Injury Prevention

Injuries are a major safety concern when flooding occurs. You need to take appropriate precautions to avoid injury to you or family members.

  • Electrical Safety
    • Do not attempt to restore or work on power sources without first contacting your utility. Homes that are flooded should have their power disconnected by the utility company.
    • Emergency generators should ONLY be used in well-ventilated areas. Otherwise, carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas, can build up with fatal consequences.

  • Physical Hazards

    • Avoid wading in water without proper foot protection. Broken glass, metal fragments, and other debris may be submerged in the flooded area.
    • Wear proper eyewear, gloves, and other protective equipment when cleaning an area. If you are cut or punctured, contact your physician or local health department as soon as possible. Tetanus vaccinations may be necessary.

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Increased Insect Activity

  • Use insect repellent when outside. Mosquitoes and other insects can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus and encephalitis. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying repellents containing DEET to children.

  • Stagnant water is a breeding place for disease carrying mosquitoes. Remove standing water from tires, dishes, cans, or building material.

Additional information about how to reduce exposure to mosquitoes after a flood is available.

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Re-entering Your Home

  • Mold

Many people are allergic to mold. Young children, the elderly, and people with asthma and/or other medical issues can be affected by mold. The following recommendations should be considered:

  • Inspect for mold growth through out the house, including attics, basements and crawlspaces. Learn more about what you can do to prevent and get of rid of mold growth at the Mold: Information for Wisconsin Residents website.
  • Household furnishings, carpets, etc. must be cleaned and dried as soon as possible to avoid mold growth. Discard furnishings such as carpet, drapes, stuffed toys, upholstered furniture, mattresses, wicker furniture, ceiling tiles, and other items that can’t be dried completely.  Keep records of all of the items you discard for insurance purposes.
  • Remove and replace wet drywall and insulation.
  • Inspect and clean all appliances, freezers, stoves and refrigerators that have been in contact with floodwater. 
  • Have heating and ventilation professionals check heating and cooling systems for mold contamination.
Additional information about flood cleanup and your indoor air issues are available.

  • Correcting Water Damage and Cleaning Up

  • Seal all leaks (ceilings, walls, foundations) and correct improper surface drainage. Reduce moisture generation in crawl spaces by ventilation or covering the crawl space floor with a moisture resistant material such as polyethylene.
  • Wash surfaces and floors, first with a detergent, and then to disinfect them, with a household chlorine bleach solution. Use four to six ounces of bleach per gallon of water. The bleach solution should stay in contact with the affected surface for several minutes before rinsing off with clean water. It may be necessary to repeat this process several times for items that were grossly contaminated.
  • Only individuals who are necessary for clean-up should be in the affected areas.
  • Persons with respiratory health problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema) should NOT perform the clean-up. Children and pets should not be allowed in these areas.
  • When using a bleach solution, open windows to provide good ventilation. Boots and rubber gloves should be worn at all times. In cases where rigorous splashing of contaminated water may occur, a dust mask and eye protection should also be worn.

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For more information, contact your Local Public Health Department.

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Last Revised: October 24, 2008