Tips and tricks on what to do during and after a flood
As rainfall continues to drive flooding around the region, Thurston County Public Health and Social Services’s Environmental Health department published information and tips on what to do during and after a flood to keep people and their homes safe.
What to do during a flood
- Follow official emergency evacuation routes. If your car gets stuck in water, quickly get out and move to higher ground.
- If your home is flooded, turn the utilities off until emergency officials say it is safe to turn them on.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water if you come in contact with floodwaters.
What not to do during a flood
- Do not try to walk or drive through flooded areas. Water can be deeper than it appears, and water levels rise quickly.
- Stay away from moving water; moving water just 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet, and cars can be swept away in just 2 feet of water.
- Stay away from disaster areas unless there is a request for volunteers, and stay away from downed power lines.
- Do not pump your basement until flood waters have receded. Avoid any weakened areas of houses or buildings.
What to do after a flood
- Wear gloves and boots when cleaning up.
Open all doors and windows. Use fans, if possible, to air out the building.
Wash all clothes and linens in hot water.
Discard mattresses and stuffed furniture, as they can’t be adequately cleaned.
Wash dirt and mud from walls, counters and hard surfaced floors with soap and water.
Disinfect surfaces with a solution of one cup bleach per gallon of water.
Discard all food that has come into contact with floodwater. Canned food is OK, but thoroughly wash the can before opening.
If your well is flooded, your tap water is probably unsafe. If you have public water, the health department will let you know — through radio and television — if your water is not safe to drink. Until your water is safe, use clean bottled water.
Learn how to purify water. Boiling water is usually a safe first step. If you have a well, learn how to decontaminate it.
Do not use your septic system when water is standing on the ground around it. The ground below will not absorb water from sinks or toilets. When the soil has dried, it is probably safe to again use your septic system. To be sure, contact your local health department.
When floodwaters have receded, watch out for weakened road surfaces.
This story was originally published January 7, 2022 at 12:45 PM.
.jpg)