OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — In order to provide one convenient source of emergency health information, the Douglas County Health Department has summarized and recommends the following flood cleanup health tips.
WELL WATER
If you suspect your well water may have been compromised by the flood, please use bottled water until the well can be tested by a professional.
STAGNANT WATER
Stagnant water is to be avoided in all instances as it can be a source for numerous diseases and infections. It also needs to be removed when possible as it will provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.
SEPTIC SYSTEMS
- Do not pump your tank until surface and ground water recede to normal levels
- Do not pump unanchored tanks until the drain field is saturated. The tanks could float out of the ground or collapse.
- Have septic systems inspected by a certified professional and serviced if not functioning properly.
- Use as little water as possible while the system is restoring itself. Little things like taking laundry to a laundromat will help.
- Do not dump flood waters that entered the house into plumbing that will go into the septic treatment system.
SALVAGING DAMAGED FOODS
To prevent food-borne illness, the following items should be destroyed if they have been exposed to flood waters: Fresh meants and poultry, prepared and processed foods, home-canned foods, medicines and cosmetics, and packages that are not sealed airtight, including flour, packaged frozen foods, and other bagged commodities.
Throw out foods needing refrigeration if the fridge has been out of service for more than four hours. Don't refreeze frozen foods which have thawed for more than four hours. Call the health department if there is any question.
