Post-Hurricane Sandy Series: Clearing Flood Waters

This week we continue our Post-Hurricane Sandy Series with what you need to know about clearing flood waters.

Our next posts in the series address mold and mildew management, cooling towers and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) assistance.

Safety is probably the most crucial factor to consider in dealing with flooding. Flood water can contain a host of infectious organisms including E. coli, shigella, salmonella, hepatitis A virus, as well as typhoid, tetanus or paratyphoid agents, according to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).

But it doesn’t stop there because flood waters may also become contaminated by industrial chemicals from flooded hazardous waste sites.

OSHA explains exposure to infectious organisms may produce symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, fever and muscle aches. If chemicals have contaminated the water, symptoms of poisoning may also include a skin rash, weakness, fatigue, dizziness and headaches.

The American Lung Association warns flood waters pose additional health risks for people with existing lung diseases. In addition, exposure to flood waters may contribute to the development of lung disease. While microorganisms in standing flood water might pose risks to those with preexisting lung diseases, bacteria, viruses, mold and other contaminants that can become air-borne are still left behind when the water recedes.

Because microorganisms and other contaminants could possibly be inhaled during clean-up efforts, it’s imperative to put safety first. Flooded areas containing wet materials combined with high humidity are breeding grounds for microorganisms. That means water must be removed and materials thoroughly cleaned, and sometimes discarded if they are damaged beyond use.

According to NorthDakota.gov, the various types of flood water, which vary in their contamination risks, are categorized into three types.

1. Category 1 is clean, usually coming from a broken water pipe or a leaky roof.
2. Category 2 is referred to as “grey water,” and contains some sort of significant amount of biological or chemical contamination.
3. Category 3 is called “blackwater” and contains biological agents from sewage or other sources.

Both category 2 and 3 pose threats to human health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The City of Canton, Ohio and OSHA offer the following advice to help you remain safe when you’re cleaning up flood water.

• Ensure your tetanus shot is up to date (received within the last 10 years) before working to clean up flood water.
• Never enter an area with standing water if the power is still on. If electrical devices are under water they can cause hazardous electrical situations.
• Wear protective gear during clean up, including rubber gloves, rubber boots and goggles.
• Be on alert for chemically contaminated water at industrial sites. Workers cleaning up chemically contaminated waters should wear special chemical protective gear.
• Throw away any items that can’t be washed and disinfected, including carpeting, furniture, rugs, mattresses, drywall, insulation and paper products.
• During the drying process use fans and dehumidifiers.
• Be on the lookout for dangerous debris under flood water, including broken glass, nails, or other sharp objects.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after clean up.
• Wash any clothes worn during clean up in hot water and detergent. Keep contaminated clothing separate from clothing that’s not contaminated.
• Shower or bathe after cleaning up flood water.
• Get immediate medical attention if you feel ill during the clean-up process, particularly if you experience any of the symptoms associated with exposure to infectious organisms.

Removing as much water as possible, through the use of pumps, wet-dry vacuums, and squeegees, is the best way to ensure everything dries quickly, preventing mold growth and serious health issues.

See last week’s post, Post-Hurricane Sandy Series: Mold Control for HVAC and Facilities, for more about dealing with mold on your HVAC as well as other surfaces.

For fast removal, Goodway offers flood vacuums, our top-selling Pump-Out Industrial/Commercial Flood Vacuum and our Standard Duty Industrial Wet-Dry Vacuum. Both offer reusable filters (saves money), strong suction and liquid shut-offs to prevent overflow.

Next Steps:

• Read: HVAC Maintenance and Floods: Help With Disaster Recovery
• Read: Mold: A Common HVAC Complaint That Is Easy To Deal With
• Subscribe to our blog to receive the full blog series via email and stay informed about the latest HVAC news and insight.
• Stay up to date on facility maintenance tools such as chiller tube cleaners, boiler tube cleaners, hose/pipe cleaners, descaler systems, industrial vacuums, commercial pressure washers, and drain cleaners.