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ADVICE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
BASSETLAW Council has offered cleaning and health advice following the week's floods.
Officials say that flood water may have been contaminated with sewage, and although this would be very diluted, a few precautions are necessary.
Cleaning homes
* Cover open cuts and wounds on exposed skin with a waterproof plaster, wear rubber gloves.
* Remove all soft furnishings and fittings that are damaged beyond repair.
* Remove all dirty water and silt from the property as much as possible, including under downstairs floorboards if you have these. This may require pumping out. Turn off power supply before attempting to lift floorboards.
* Wash down all hard surfaces with hot soapy water several times until visually clean.
* Use a domestic disinfectant, following manufacturers directions to wash over all hard surfaces after cleaning.
* Food preparation surfaces and storage cupboards, refrigerators etc should be washed down with food safe disinfectants such as Milton, Dettox or similar.
* Allow to thoroughly dry - this will also help to destroy any germs left behind.
* Heating and good ventilation will assist the drying process.
Clothing and bedding
Bedding and other soft or fabric articles including childrens' toys etc should be laundered on a hot wash (60°C and above) which will destroy any germs that may be present.
Other soft furnishings that have been contaminated and cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be professionally cleaned or if this is not possible may have to be disposed of.
If flood water contained oil, diesel etc, this should in the main be removed with the flood water and silt.
Returning to your home
It is recommended that you only re-occupy your home once cleaning has been carried out. There may be additional works to be carried out eventually as advised by your insurance company, housing officer, landlord, builder etc.
When returning to your home
* Try to have some heating on at all times, consider the use of a dehumidifier.
* Ensure the property is well ventilated. Leave windows open as much as possible. Remember security though!
* Ensure that if you have air bricks to any under floor spaces that these are unblocked to give cross ventilation to these areas.
* Don't switch on electrical appliances which have been in contact with the flood water unless a competent electrician has checked them. East Midlands Electricity will be checking mains supplies.
* If your house has an air brick forced ventilation fan linked into a gas appliance ensure that this is clear from silt. Further advice on safety can be sought from Corgi
* Contact your insurance company (if relevant) and make an inventory list of all damaged goods, including food. If you can, take photographic or video pictures.
* Put contaminated flood damaged food in black plastic refuse sacks, seal and put out when your next refuse collection is due. Check with insurers before disposal.
* Check for structural damage to your property and if you think there is damage or danger seek advice from your insurers and/or builder. Any confirmed or suspected dangerous structures should be reported to your district or borough council building control office.
If your home is to be unoccupied for any length of time whilst repairs are carried out and you are concerned about the security of your home, advice is available through Police crime reduction managers or through the Nottinghamshire Police website.
Health and Safety
* Wash your hands properly if you have been in contact with flood water or silt. Take particular care when preparing or eating food.
* If you accidentally swallow mud or contaminated water and you become ill contact your doctor and tell them your house was flooded.
* Don't be tempted to try and salvage damaged food - including tins, jars and packets as they may be contaminated with sewage or chemicals left from the flood water.
* Don't eat garden or allotment vegetables that have been covered by flood water. Leave undamaged vegetables in the ground for at least another two weeks and then only use them after thorough washing and cooking.
* All crockery, pots and pans should be thoroughly washed with very hot soapy water before using. If any of these are badly chipped or damaged do not use. You could also use a food safe disinfectant e.g. Milton to sanitise them after cleaning. Follow the instructions carefully.
* Ensure the water taps are cleaned and disinfected before using them for the first time.
*Take particular care in preparing food, always wash your hands before starting.
* In addition the flood waters were contaminated with sewage, mud and other contaminants. Please ensure you wash your hands after handling the bags.
*While in the property floorboards, walls etc will continue to dry out. Any loose material and dust resulting from this should be vacuumed up on a regular basis.
* Very young children should avoid playing directly on timber floorboards or any damaged tiled floors if possible, be aware of the risk of injury from sharp edges on tiles or raised nails in the floorboards until these have been repaired.
Help for older and disabled people vulnerable returning to their houses is available from NCC Adult Social Care & Health.
If you follow the basic advice above you should not experience any additional health problems.
It is possible that the stress caused by the incident may well make you feel unwell in some way.
This does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from any infection or disease. However, if you are concerned - visit your own doctor, who can also arrange counselling for you
Sent: 02/07/2007
Email us direct at: repairs@londonheatingservices.co.uk
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