Page 9 - SPRING SUMMER 2020 FINAL 5.12.20_Neat

Spring/Summer 2020 Page 9

My basement flooded, what should I do?

During and following a flood, contact your utility companies for advice and
information on precautions and safety measures. Do not handle connected
electrical cords or appliances if the electrical current is still on. Do not light a
flame in an enclosed area containing gas or oil-fired appliances. If your
appliance's electrical controls are submerged, do not attempt to re-start the
unit until you have consulted with a qualified service provider.
How do I clean and disinfect after a flood?

Begin by providing as much ventilation as possible. Open windows, doors
and run fans to allow moist air to escape. You should disinfect anything that
has been in contact with flood waters. Clean walls and floors with a mixture
of household detergent and water, using a scrub brush with stiff bristles.
Disinfect surfaces with a chlorine solution rinse made up of eight
tablespoons (1/2 cup) common household bleach per gallon of clean, warm water. Chlorine bleach is an effective
disinfectant, but should never be mixed with ammonia, since this combination produces poisonous gas. Professional
cleaning services are listed online under fire and water damage restoration.

What items can I salvage after a flood?

All hard-surfaced items such as storage containers, metal boxes, plastic toys, etc., should be thoroughly washed in
soap and warm water and disinfected in a chlorine solution. Stuffed and upholstered furniture, mattresses, plush
toys, and similar items are often impossible to decontaminate and clean with a conventional liquid or spray type
germicide. If you choose to salvage, consult online or phone directories for services specializing in furniture, carpet
and upholstery cleaning. Discard all non-hermetically sealed fruits, vegetables and stored food items that were in
direct contact with flood waters. Jars, bottles and similar containers with crimped or screw-on caps, lids or covers, as
well as cork or paraffin tops, may not safely prevent product contamination. Hermetically sealed, vacuum or
pressure-packed foods can be salvaged by thoroughly washing the exterior surfaces with detergent and hot water,
followed by immersion in a chlorine solution for at least 15 minutes.

What about my hygiene before, during, and after clean up?

Protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves during clean up, and wash your hands frequently in warm chlorinated
water before eating. Use care to prevent tracking sewage and contaminated floodwaters into areas of your home
that are clean. Wash clothing at the end of the day, and take a hot shower.

Not applicable (N/A) Not Detected (N/D) Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) – The sum of chloroform,
bromodichloromethane,
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU) – Measures the
cloudiness of water known or expected risk to health. dibromoochloromethane and bromoform. Compliance is based
on the total.
Parts per Billion (ppb) – One in one billion. Equivalent to
micrograms per liter. A microgram = 1/1000 milligram. Treatment Technique (TT) – A required process intended to
reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.
Parts per Million (ppm) – One in one billion. Equivalent to
milligrams per liter. A milligram = 1/1000 gram. μmhos Micromhos – Measure of electrical conductance of
water
Picocuries per Liter (pCi/L) – A measure of radioactivity.
> Greater than
Running Annual Average (RAA) – The average of analytical
results for all samples during the previous four quarters. < Less than