Cleaning up
The Red
Cross offers a free book, "Repairing Your Flooded Home."
Do not
put debris (such as wet rugs or furniture) in yards or streets, since this may
block storm drains and lead to additional flooding. The Palo Alto Sanitation
Co. is providing debris bins, which can be requested by calling 483-4894. Also,
the city of Palo Alto is waiving its landfill fee for one week.
Cooperate
with city officials if water levels rise in your neighborhood.
Replenish
home emergency kits.
The capacity
of the city's wastewater treatment system is strained by the level of storm
water. Reduce demand on the wastewater treatment system by conserving water;
do not open sewer manholes to relieve storm water; do not put storm water or
swimming pool water in sanitary sewer; minimize flushing of toilets and discharge
from washing machines and baths.
Contract
services to help repair water damage are available by checking the Yellow Pages
under "water/flood damage."
Remove
as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting (do not use a household
vacuum).
Wipe
as much excess water from wooden furniture after removing lamps and table-top
items.
Remove
and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
Place
aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Wash
all clothing, bedding and linens in hot water or dry clean them.
For mattresses
and upholstered furniture which cannot be dry cleaned or washed, air dry them
in the sun and spray thoroughly with disinfectant.
Open
windows to speed drying.
Remove
Oriental or other rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
Remove
books, magazines and other colored items from wet carpets and floors.
Open
drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying. Do not force open stuck drawers.
Remove
valuable paintings and art objects to a safe place.
Punch
small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water and place pans to catch
water that drips underneath.
Clean
walls, hard floors and other surfaces with soap and water. Disinfect with a
solution of one cup bleach and five gallons water. Be especially careful to
disinfect areas where food is stored or prepared, like countertops, pantry shelves,
and refrigerators.
Thoroughly
wash and disinfect all dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment.
Steam
clean any carpeting that can be saved.
If you
suspect flood waters were contaminated with sewage or animal wastes, remove
and discard contaminated materials including wall coverings, carpets, rugs and
drywall.
Careless
cleanup can do more harm than good by distributing fungus and bacteria that
can grow on wet materials to other areas of the building and into heating and
ventilation systems.
Staying healthy
Stay
on firm ground. Moving water, even six inches deep, can sweep you off your feet.
Standing water can be electrically charged because of underground or downed
power lines.
Flood
debris may hid hazards, and may have caused familiar places to change.
Turn
off the electricity at the main breaker or fuse box, even if the power is off
in your community. Then, you can decide when your home is dry enough to turn
it back on.
If you come into contact with floodwaters:
Wash
hands frequently. Make sure children wash their hands as well.
Protect
open cuts or sores from water. Wash with soap and apply antibiotic ointment.
If you
swallow floodwater, you should see a doctor immediately because of the risk
of Hepatitis A. While the virus won't pass through skin, it poses a risk to
those who swallow floodwater.
Avoid
eating food that may have come in contact with flood water. Undamaged, commercially
canned food can be saved if you remove labels, thoroughly wash the cans and
disinfect them with a solution of one cup bleach to five gallons water. Food
containers with screw caps, snap lids, flip caps, twist caps and home-canned
foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with flood water because
it cannot be disinfected.
Don't
let children play with toys that may have come in contact with flood water until
the toys have been disinfected. Use a solution of one cup bleach in five gallons
of water.
Returning to previously flooded areas:
Wear
boots and gloves when working in flooded areas.
Do not
use electrical appliances that have been in contact with flood waters. Be sure
main electrical switch is turned off before entering a structure. Don't turn
it back on until you are sure there has been no damage to wires or appliances.
For infants,
do not use powdered formulas prepared with treated water. Use only pre-prepared
baby formula that isn't condensed and doesn't require added water.
If the
power was off, throw away all discolored or foul-smelling food. Freezer foods
may last from 48 to 72 hours, but if in doubt, throw it out.
