2019-07-31 State Department of Health Flood and Power Outage -- PSA

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State Department of Health PSA: FLOOD AND POWER OUTAGE 7/31/2019 Flood waters can become contaminated with raw sewage, animal wastes and chemicals. Protect yourself by restricting exposure to flood waters. If you come in contact with floodwaters, wash your hands and any open wounds with soap and disinfected water. Power outages may occur and last for an extended number of days. Perishable foods stored in your refrigerators and freezers that exceed 41 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours should be disposed. If in doubt, throw it out. FLOOD CLEAN UP ACTIONS: REMOVE STANDING WATER DRY OUT YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS REMOVE WET MATERIALS  Materials that are wet and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried within 24-48 hours should be discarded (ie. Carpet/flooring/padding, furniture, drywall, particle boards, insulation etc.) CLEAN AND SANITIZE  Hard-surfaced walls and floors, and other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected. Liquid chlorine bleach should be used to disinfect and kill any remaining mold and mildew. Follow the instructions on the label and let the bleach solution remain on the surface for at least 15 minutes before rinsing and drying  During clean-up, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves if floodwaters have contaminated various portions of the household. Wash all linens and clothing that has been contaminated with floodwaters in hot water, or dry clean them. For items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, and carpeting, it is recommended that these items be discarded. Trying to salvage these items can only lead to more problems, such as the growth of molds and other microbes that will later affect your Indoor Air Quality. For more information contact the Department of Health at 808-933-0917 (Hilo) or 808-322-1507 (Kona) or go to health.hawaii.gov/san/food-information