FLOOD INFORMATION SHEET 
Be Prepared – Protect Loved Ones  

Develop a Family Emergency Plan
Make a Disaster Supply Kit
Before a Flood
During a Flood
After a Flood

After The Flood

Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to withdraw. Listen to local radio or TV stations for information on when to return home until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.

Avoid Illness

• Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled:

  •  when preparing or eating food,

  • after toilet use,

  • after participating in flood cleanup activities,

  • and after handling items contaminated with flood water or sewage.
    

• Do not eat food that may have come into contact with flood water. Be sure to:

  • discard food packed in plastic, paper, cardboard, cloth and similar containers that have been water damaged.
     

  • discard food and beverage containers with screw-caps, snap lids, crimped caps (soda bottles), twist caps, flip tops, and home canned foods, if they have come in contact with flood water. These containers cannot be disinfected.
     

  • properly clean undamaged, commercially-prepared in all-metal cans or retort pouches before use.  Remove the labels, thoroughly wash and rinse the cans, then disinfect with a sanitizing solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of clean drinking water.  Finally, re-label containers that had the labels removed, including the expiration date with a marker.
     

  • only use pre-prepared canned baby formula that does not require water.
     

  • throw away refrigerated or frozen food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more, and
     

  • throw away any food that has a strange smell, color or taste.
    
    

• Make sure your water is safe.  Make sure you:

  • do not use flood water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food, wash your hands, make ice or make baby formula,

  • only use bottled water from a safe source, and

  • boiling water is the preferred way to kill harmful bacteria.  Bring the water to a boil for 5 minutes before use.

Animals and Snakes

• Avoid stray animals.  If the animal needs to be removed contact Animal Control.

• If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

• If you are bitten by a snake, try to remember its markings.  Describe the snake to your healthcare provider.  If it was poisonous, you will be provided anti-venom.

Clean U

• Walls, hard-surfaced floors and other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water mixed with 1 cup of bleach to five gallons of water.

• Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean them.

• Take mattresses and upholstered furniture outside to air dry in the sun then spray with a disinfectant.

• Steam clean all carpeting.

• If sewage is in the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during the cleanup.

• Remove and throw away any materials that cannot be disinfected.

Stay Safe

• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance--infants, elderly people and people with disabilities.

• Before entering a building, inspect foundations for cracks or other damage. Don't go in if there is any chance of the building collapsing.

• Upon entering the building, don’t use matches, cigarette lighters or any other open flames, since gas may be trapped inside. Instead, use a flashlight to light your way.

• Keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.

• Floodwaters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and factories. If your home has been flooded, protect your family's health by cleaning up your house right away. Throw out foods and medicines that may have met floodwater.

• Be careful walking around. After a flood, steps and floors are often slippery with mud and covered with debris, including nails and broken glass.

Stress

Stress can surface in many forms and affect children as well as adults. Crisis counseling helps disaster victims deal with emotions, such as sadness or anger, caused by stressful situations. Counselors can help adults and children gain emotional control by offering them coping skills, including stress management techniques. For more information, contact the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Authority of Harris (MHMRA) at (713) 970-7000.

Source of Information:

• www.cdc.gov

• www.fema.gov

• www.redcross.org

• www.mhmraharris.org/