CAUTION: In any flooding situation, be aware of ELECTRICAL HAZARDS associated with submerged live wires, electrical equipment, and water-damaged appliances and devices. IF UNCERTAIN, DO NOT PROCEED until a qualified electrician has assessed the situation.
* Important: We suggest you contact your insurance agent to obtain approval before discarding or destroying any furniture or equipment, or removing structural elements such as drywall.
WELL WATER
If you use well water and you have had flooding in your area, your well water may have been contaminated. You should boil your water or use another water source until you have ensured that your water is safe. You will need to inspect your well carefully to assess the impact of the flooding, and may need to repair and/or disinfect your well before using it.
See Restoration of Flooded Private Water Wells or for more information, contact City of Hamilton Public Health Services: 905 546 2424 ext 5919
Cleaning Up
The most important element when cleaning is the use of soap or detergent, "elbow grease" and hot water. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.
For personal protection during clean-up wear rubber gloves, an N-95 disposable dust mask, and other protective clothing. Avoid direct skin contact with contaminated material.
Thorough scrubbing with a detergent or soap and water, then mopping with a mixture of 120 millilitres (one-half cup) of liquid bleach in nine litres (two gallons) of water is recommended to clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products).
Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters.
Always wash your hands with soap and clean water after being in contact with flood water, sewage or items that have been contaminated by these, or participating in flood cleanup activities.
Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent and separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens. If possible, discard clothing used for clean up activities.
Foods Affected by Flooding
- Disinfect everything the water has touched with a chlorine bleach solution (2 tablespoons bleach per litre of water).
- Discard food that has come into contact with floodwaters.
The following foods should be considered unsafe and thrown away if they may have come into contact with contaminated flood waters:
- Food and food products stored within paper, cloth or cardboard boxes/containers
- Home canned foods
- Flour, grains, sugar and coffee in canisters or bags
- Fresh meat, poultry and seafood
- Any food in cellophane
- Fresh fruits and vegetables that do not have a peel or shell that can be removed before eating
- bottled or canned juices, bottled water, condiments (mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise), peanut butter and jellies.
- Commercially canned food without dents, leaks or bulges are considered safe if properly cleaned and sanitized (To sanitize: Remove the label, thoroughly wash the cans in warm soapy water and rinse with clean water, soak for 30 - 60 minutes in a solution of two spoonfuls of bleach in water, re-label cans with a permanents marker, making sure to include the expiration date)
Containers and utensils that come in contact with food may also be unsafe. If they have come in contact with contaminated flood waters do the following:
- Dishes and eating and cooking utensils should be thoroughly cleaned with a water and chlorine bleach solution;
- Throw away any plastic utensils, paper and plastic plates, wooden bowls, chopping boards and kitchen tools or any other non-food items made from a porous material;
- Food preparation surfaces should be wiped down using hot tap water and soap. Use bleach and water to sanitize after cleaning;
- If any plates, glasses, pots or pans are badly chipped or damaged do not use.
Refrigerators, Freezers, Stoves and Other Appliances
NOTE: Any appliance that has been partially or wholly immersed in water will have wet insulation with no insulation value. It cannot be dried without removal. A qualified service technician should be contacted before the appliance is put into service.
Once the safety of the appliance has been verified, it should be cleaned in the following way:
- Ensure electrical power is turned off.
- Clean the unit thoroughly with a detergent solution, rinse with clean water, then wash with a solution containing one-half cup of Javex or similar product in nine litres (two gallons) of water.
- Allow to dry with door kept open. Note: Keep children away
Mould and Mildew
To avoid the health hazards of mildew and bacterial mould, water soaked walls and insulation should be removed, and the space and studding allowed to dry thoroughly. Walls constructed of gyproc, plaster or wood will dry out in time but insulation in these walls is no longer effective. As insulation becomes water soaked the weight causes it to settle and compact at the bottom, leaving a large portion of the wall no longer insulated.
Household Furnishings
Upholstered furniture, mattresses, carpets and rugs affected by sewage contaminated flood waters should be thrown away.
Clothing, bedding and other soft/fabric articles including children's toys should be laundered on a hot wash (60ºC or the highest temperature indicated on manufacturer's instructions).
Hazardous Products
Containers that hold hazardous materials such as pesticides, fuel or gasoline may have spilled indoors during a flood. If there is a noticeable chemical odour and/or a spill, avoid skin contact with contaminated materials or contaminated water and keep the area well ventilated. Contact the fire department for help.
Links and Other Websites
Floods - Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
Information from the Government of Canada to help you prepare for a flood, including what to do during and after a flood, and how to begin cleaning-up.
Keeping food safe during a power outage
Detailed information from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care about food safety issues during and after a power outage.
For more information, please contact City of Hamilton Public Health Services at 905-546-3570 or by email at publichealth@hamilton.ca.
Last updated: July 27, 2009