Health and Safety Advice and Cleaning Up After The Floods
07/08/2007
Electricity
Your electricity supply may need checking if you have been flooded. Please call the Central Networks emergency help line on 0800 096 1194
Do NOT use any mains powered electrical appliances that have been in contact with water until advised that a registered electrician has checked them.
Do NOT go near any exposed wiring, as it may still be live.
Do NOT attempt any electrical repairs or connection of temporary supplies yourself - always use a registered electrician.
Do advise your electric supplier if the meter has been affected (see your electricity bill) who will arrange an inspection separately
To find a registered electrician or to obtain information on testing your
electrical equipment, call the Electrical Safety Council on 0870 040 0561 or
go to www.esc.org.uk
Gas
Turn OFF the gas supply to appliances that have been flooded
and get the system checked by a CORGI registered engineer before use.
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Flood Water
Flood Water
Seek advice from the Fire Rescue Service before attempting to pump water from
your property.
Their dedicated phone line is 01452 729340. Petrol/diesel powered
pumps used in areas with inadequate ventilation can result in carbon monoxide
poisoning and may have fatal consequences.
Wash your hands with soap and water
after being in contact with floodwater or with items that have been contaminated.
Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
Telephone
If your telephone or broadband service is not working please contact your
telecommunication provider(s). In the meantime, please do not attempt to touch
any wiring or other telephone/broadband equipment.
Cleaning up after the flood
Do NOT start until you are sure it is safe to do so.
When cleaning up after floods wear protective clothing - waterproof boots, gloves, aprons and protective eyewear. Cover any cuts with waterproof plasters.
Do NOT remove car batteries, except with extreme care, as there may be a danger of electric shock, even after being submerged. Use insulated gloves and avoid contact with any acid that may have spilt from a car battery.
Do NOT allow young children to play on timber floors, damaged tile floors, in flood water or areas that have been contaminated, until those areas have been dried, cleaned, mended or exposed to sunlight for several days.
Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (including walls, appliances, furniture and floors) using a solution made up with hot water, which has been boiled, and detergent.
Discard ALL food that has been in contact with sewage or floodwater.
Do NOT try to salvage damaged food, including food in tins, as it may be contaminated.
Do NOT eat garden or allotment vegetables that have been contaminated with floodwater – leave in the ground for two weeks and then use them after thorough and careful washing and cooking.
Chemical pollution may have occurred due to materials stored in garages and garden sheds. Special care should be taken during any clean up.
AVOID enclosed areas that may be chemically contaminated such as garages and cellars where hazardous fumes may build up. Ensure such confined areas are adequately ventilated before entering and are not accessible to children and animals.
Portable generators, pumps, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane or natural gas devices should NOT be used indoors, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal. If while using the device outside you feel dizzy, have a headache or become disorientated, the appliance should be switched off and medical advice sought.
Remove and discard clothing items that are beyond repair. Wash all soft fabric items on a hot wash (60oC); this will destroy any germs. Items that cannot be put into a washing machine should be dry-cleaned.
Wash all clothes worn during clean up activities in hot water and detergent and wash them separately from uncontaminated items.
Wash your hands with soap and water after being in contact with floodwater or with items that have been contaminated. Always wash your hands before eating or preparing food.
For further health information go to the Health Protection Agency website
at www.hpa.org.uk If you have any concerns about your health or that of a relative call NHS
Direct on 0845 46 47 or at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
