MONROE - This week, Green County experienced significant flooding. The Green County Health Department is advising the public of the potential health hazards due to the flooding. Below are guidelines from the Green County Health Department.
Private Wells and Drinking Water: If a private well has flooded, assume it is contaminated. Signs to look for and steps to take:
• Floodwaters come into contact or run over the top of the well.
• The well is shallow and near areas that have been flooded.
• Check the water for cloudiness, color or an unusual smell.
• Find alternative sources of water or use bottled water.
• Properly disinfect the private well.
• Test water after disinfection.
Green County Health Department has well water testing kits available. Call 328-9390 or visit www.greencountyhealth.org for more information.
Cleaning and Mold: For cleaning, wear an N95 mask, available at a hardware store. Once the damaged material inside the house has been removed, use a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water to thoroughly clean all surfaces touched by flood waters as well as any exhibiting signs of mold. Never mix products containing ammonia, which can be found in many cleaners, with bleach, as a harmful gas will form and can cause serious injury.
Basements: If a basement is flooded with standing water, gradually release 2-3 inches per day. Doing this will decrease chances of the basement floor and walls cracking and collapsing.
Once all the standing water has been removed from the basement, check that all electrical hazards have been removed Contact a building inspector or the utility company with concerns.
Damaged or wet flooring, carpeting, furniture, drywall, insulation, books, children's stuffed animals, etc., should be removed and disposed of to prevent mold growth and to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Keep watch for any sewage back-up. Avoid water containing human waste and thoroughly clean areas where the sewage has been.
Private Wells and Drinking Water: If a private well has flooded, assume it is contaminated. Signs to look for and steps to take:
• Floodwaters come into contact or run over the top of the well.
• The well is shallow and near areas that have been flooded.
• Check the water for cloudiness, color or an unusual smell.
• Find alternative sources of water or use bottled water.
• Properly disinfect the private well.
• Test water after disinfection.
Green County Health Department has well water testing kits available. Call 328-9390 or visit www.greencountyhealth.org for more information.
Cleaning and Mold: For cleaning, wear an N95 mask, available at a hardware store. Once the damaged material inside the house has been removed, use a solution of 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water to thoroughly clean all surfaces touched by flood waters as well as any exhibiting signs of mold. Never mix products containing ammonia, which can be found in many cleaners, with bleach, as a harmful gas will form and can cause serious injury.
Basements: If a basement is flooded with standing water, gradually release 2-3 inches per day. Doing this will decrease chances of the basement floor and walls cracking and collapsing.
Once all the standing water has been removed from the basement, check that all electrical hazards have been removed Contact a building inspector or the utility company with concerns.
Damaged or wet flooring, carpeting, furniture, drywall, insulation, books, children's stuffed animals, etc., should be removed and disposed of to prevent mold growth and to prevent the spread of illness and disease. Keep watch for any sewage back-up. Avoid water containing human waste and thoroughly clean areas where the sewage has been.