With local flooding possibly on its way out, the health unit has some ideas for residents.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit took to Twitter to advise the people dealing with flooding of the tips it has for cleaning up after.
As part of the cleanup, the health unit encourages people to check their wells. Another suggestion once the floodwaters have left the area is to inspect the septic system. HKPR suggests that property owners check that the tank’s cover is secure and the inspection ports are not blocked or damaged, do not drink well water until it has been inspected, don’t use the sewage system until the water levels in the soil absorption field are lower than the water levels around the house.
It is also recommended that the septic system gets inspected and serviced if there are any signs of damage. If there is any sewage backed up into the basement of a building, the health unit suggests that the area be disinfected with a chlorine solution. Half a cup of bleach for every gallon of water. After a flood, it is a good idea to pump the tank as soon as possible after the flooding is finished.
In terms of cleaning your home after a flood, HKPR says that everyone wears protective clothes while doing it. That includes waterproof boots, aprons and gloves. For cleaning the house or cottage people can use hot water and an ordinary detergent on all hard surfaces, including the walls. Anything soft like linens, soft furnishing, children’s toys etc. should be run through the washer, and if it is not washer safe, take it to a dry cleaner.
After scrubbing down the property, HKPR suggests using fans, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners to help the drying process.
Taking care of food is as easy as throwing out any that came in contact with flood waters, and clean all dishes and preparation surfaces. To protect children from the potentially harmful floodwaters, it is good to encourage handwashing regularly, sanitize all the toys, and keep them away from areas that were flooded until a proper clean-up can be done.
It is a good idea to remember that the flood might have mixed into any chemicals. If there is a need to handle any chemical that was in the flood waters gloves should be worn.
Anyone in Ontario that has experienced flooding can apply for the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program, which is designed to offer some financial help. Whoever is eligible can possibly get help with cleaning expenses, repair or replacement costs, and general emergency reimbursement.