HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-31 State Department of Health Flood and Power Outage -- PSA
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