Flooding - Do's and Don'ts

Some Do's

• Do wash your hands with soap and clean water after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing food and after being in contact with flood water.
• Do wash down all hard surfaces with hot soapy water several times particularly in the kitchen, until visually clean. Now use a food safe disinfectant
• Do ensure that any cuts or sores are protected with waterproof dressing, from flood water.
• Do contact your Doctor if you become ill after accidentally swallowing mud or contaminated water.
• Do ensure that flood water containing oil, diesel etc is removed, by washing down the affected area with a detergent solution.
• Do remove any coverings on airbricks, doors and windows as ventilation is essential to dry wall cavities and voids
• Do ensure that the house is properly aired to encourage drying and restrict mould growth
• Do hot wash clothing, bedding and other soft/fabric articles including children's toys etc (60°C or the highest temperature indicated on manufacturer's instructions). Large soft furnishings need professional cleaning
• Do replace any manhole covers dislodged by the flood
• Do remove any sandbags to weighdown manhole covers and plugs to sinks and baths
• Do remove sandbag(s) from toilet bowl(s)
• Do remove all outlet pluggings to washing machine and dishwasher
• Do thoroughly wash all crockery, pots and pans and cutlery in a very hot soapy water before their use. Use a food safe disinfectant to sanitise them after washing.
• Do ensure the water taps are cleaned and disinfected before using them for the first time.
• Do put contaminated flood-damaged food in two black refuse sacks, seal effectively, and put out when your next refuse collection is due.

Some Don'ts

• Don't re-connect or switch on gas, electrical appliances or water pipes, which have been in contact with floodwater until a competent person  has checked them.
• Don't eat any food that has been covered by or come into contact with sewage or floodwater.
• Don't use frozen food that has been at ambient temperature for a few hours oror damaged/contaminated food.
• Don't allow children to play in flood-water areas and wash children's hands frequently (always before meals). Wash floodwater-contaminated toys with hot water and disinfect before allowing them to be used.
• Don't let young children play on affected grassed or paved areas until they have been cleaned down and restored to their normal condition.
• Don't use bottled water for bottle fed babies, unless it is recommended by a doctor or health visitor. Boiled tap water should be safe to drink provided it is not grossly contaminated.
• Don't let very young children play directly on timber floorboards or any damaged tiled floorings : possible sharp edges from boards, tiles, and flood debris