Health Department Offers Guidelines on Stormwater Cleanup

The has issued a set of guidelines for residents to follow when cleaning up after flooding from Hurricane Irene.

As mentioned in Monday’s announcement from the Health Department, regarding the treatment of well water in areas that were flooded, residents should consider all floodwater left from Irene to be contaminated with bacteria.

As today's release points out, flooding can cause public wastewater treatment plants to discharge into rivers and streams — or, in the case of coastal towns like Greenwich, Long Island Sound. That means standing water left on properties — even if from tidal surge — can include unhealthy bacteria.

What’s more, run-off from private septic systems can also contaminate floodwaters — as well as rivers and streams. In some cases the contaminated floodwater can get into homeowners' private wells — particularly when the well has been submerged. Therefore homeowners with wells in areas flooded by the storm are advised to have their well water tested, and to disinfect their wells in the event harmful bacteria is discovered.

The Health Department is offering testing of well water. For more information call 203-622-7836.

The Health Department is also advising residents to be aware of electrical hazards when entering into floodwaters.

“If your home or workplace is flooding, turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve,” the release states. “Do not handle energized electrical equipment in wet areas. Shut off the electricity. If the area around the fuse box or circuit breaker is wet, stand on a dry board and shut off the power with a dry wooden stick. Do not turn the power back on until the electrical system has been thoroughly checked and repaired.”

The Health Department also advises:

• Never try to cross a flood area on foot. The water may be unsanitary and any fast running water could sweep you away.
• Wait until floodwaters are below basement level before trying to drain or pump the basement.
• After contact with floodwaters, always wash your hands with soap and water that has been disinfected before preparing or eating food, after flood clean-up activities, and after handling articles contaminated with flood water.
• Never allow children to play in floodwaters. Clean all toys and equipment with a disinfectant or discard them after contamination with floodwaters.
• Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with floodwater. This includes packaged food items in plastic, paper, cardboard, cloth, and similar containers that may have been water damaged, as well as beverage containers with screw-caps, snap lids, crimped caps (soda bottles), twist caps, flip tops, and home canned foods, as these tops cannot be disinfected appropriately.
• All clothing, curtains, bedding, etc. should be washed with hot, soapy water, and bleached if possible. Furniture and floors may be rinsed with clean water after washing with soap and water; disinfect if possible.
• Never assume that water-damaged structures or ground are stable. Structural elements that have been submerged or subject to rushing floodwaters may be unsound. Assume all stairs, floors and roofs are unsafe until inspected and leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises signal a possible collapse.