The Sudbury Health Service provides tidewater tips

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Due to global warming, localized floods caused by meltwater and rain pose a potential risk to households.

If your house is in a flood zone, keep your emergency equipment ready and prepare for potential flooding. Keep your valuables in a safe place if you fear flooding.

If you find flooding, Public Health Sudbury and the districts have the following cleaning tips:

• Contact your insurance company.
• Do not enter cellars or flooded rooms where water can attack the panels. Do not try to turn off the power when water is present.
• Take appropriate flood precautions to prevent illness and injury to you and others.
• Restore your home as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to the home and its contents.
• When a food warehouse is flooded, only undamaged food that is commercially prepared in cans, jars or hermetically sealed and unopened bags is completely safe. However, these items must be checked, cleaned and disinfected before use.
• Keep in mind that bacteria-contaminated food can not look or smell. If in doubt, reject it.

Important precautions should be taken when a private well can be contaminated. In the short term, water must be boiled for at least one minute to ensure safety before being used for drinking. Brushing teeth Prepare baby food, fruit juices and ice cream; and wash foods like fruits and vegetables that are consumed raw.

Once the tide stops, the wells must be disinfected with bleach. Well water can be used without cooking after it has been disinfected and two successive results obtained from laboratory tests that are satisfactory for well water.

Septic systems do not work properly when the area is flooded or the ground is saturated with water. Septic systems should not be used in this case. The power supply must be disconnected from pumps or other electrical equipment. Prevent the sludge from entering the pump chamber and septic tank.

If the flood water has dropped and the soil is no longer saturated, you will need to pump the wastewater tank. Pump chambers and electrical connections should be checked before using the system.

Flooding does not normally affect a sewage system. However, if you suspect that the tank or bed is damaged, contact an authorized installer.

If you have questions about food safety or cleanliness after a flood and want to talk to a health inspector, call the PHSD at 705-522-9200. 398 or visit phsd.ca.

sud.editorial@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @SudburyStar

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