|
Flooding
Flood Warning :
Flood Takes Many Forms
Disaster Planning
Flash Floods
When You Receive a
Flood Warning
Flash Flood Safety
Rules
During and After the
Flood
Planning
If You Need to Evacuate
Look out for :
After the Flood
Flood Cleanup
Health_Concerns
Prepare_for_Cleanup
WHAT ARE FLOODS?
Floods
are a natural and inevitable part of life along the rivers of our country.
Some floods are seasonal as when summer rains drain down narrow tributaries
and fillriver basins with too much water too quickly. Others are sudden...the
result of heavy rain. These are flash floods...raging torrents which rip
through stream beds after heavy rains...surge over their banks and sweep
everything before them.
At
the commencement of a rain period most of the rainfall is absorbed by
the ground. This is referred to as the ‘initial loss’ and is
an important consideration in the assessment of flood potential. However,
if the rain continues the ground will become saturated and soil and vegetation
cannot absorb falling rain then the precipitation
runs
off the land in such quantities that it cannot be carried in normal stream
channels or retained in natural ponds and man made reservoirs almost immediately
being carried away in a myriad of rivulets to creeks and streams.
When
rainfall is excessive the natural drains overflow and a flood results.
The time scale of the flooding and its extent depend on the size of the
river or creek, the nature of its catchment and the duration and intensity
of rainfall as well as a number of other factors.
Flood
Information Centres issue flood forecasts when the rain that has fallen
is enough to cause rivers to overflow their banks.
On
small streams...especially near the headwaters of river basins ...water
levels may rise rapidly in heavy storms and flash floods can begin before
the rain stops falling. There is little time between threatening flood
conditions and the arrival of the flood crest, so swift actions are essential
for the protection of life and property.
The
Local Authority must determine the possibility of flash flood producing
rains reaching his area of responsibility. When this threat exists a flood
warning is issued to the public. The means you should check preparedness
requirements...keep informed...and be ready for immediate action if required.
When
radar or observer reports indicate that flash flooding is likely or is
occurring...a flash flood warning is issued. Any flood warning requires
prompt reactionespecially if you are in an area subject to flooding. Flash
flood warnings are one of the most urgent types of weather warnings issued
and they are transmitted to thepublic by the most rapid means available.
Preparation
is the key. Every resident of a community should know what a river height
means in terms of his own situation. They should know how far their propertyis
above or below anticipated flood levels and how this elevation relates
to the river gauge for which forecasts are prepared. Always have a plan
to move to higher or safer ground should flooding threaten your area.
Flood Warnings are:
Minor flooding:
This causes inconvenience such as closures of minor
roads and submergence of low level bridges. The effect may be felt in
the reach of the river in question in the vicinity of the gauge or at
some distance upstream or down stream.
Moderate flooding:
Causes inundation of low lying areas requiring the
removal of stock and evacuation of houses. Main traffic bridges may
be covered.
Major flooding:
Causes inundation of large areas isolating towns and
cities. Major disruption occurs to road and rail communications and
evacuation of many houses is required.
FLOODING TAKES MANY FORMS
Flash and creek flooding
Most creeks in the vicinity of Brisbane and
Ipswich have a very rapid response to excessive rainfall. In flash flooding,
waters rise and subsequently fall very rapidly and
sometimes the whole flood can be over in less than 12 hours.
Flash floods often occur in a number of creeks
simultaneously. Sometimes when intense rainfall is very localised, as
in thunderstorms, flash flooding can be confined to
just one creek. This can also occur in normally dry gullies, even in
residential areas. Most major flash flooding is associated with major
synoptic weather systems which have produced
continuous rain over at least 24 hours interspersed with short but very
high intensity rainfall periods.
 BACK
River Flooding
This occurs on a much longer time scale than
creek and flash flooding. The river rises and falls slowly and may remain
above flood height for up to a week.
Flooding along rivers is a natural and inevitable
part of life. Some floods occur when seasonal rains fill river basins
with too much water, too quickly. Torrential rains from
decaying cyclones or tropical lows can also produce river flooding.
Rivers behave differently in each flood.
It is important to note that falls in river
heights might just be tidal variations. It is essential to listen to
forecasts as well and not just rely on river height readings.
Backwater Flooding
When a river is in flood, the river surface
level in the main trunk stream at the junction of the tributary creeks
and rivers causes water to back up into the tributaries.
The addition of flood run off from the tributaries
causes higher backwater levels in the lower reaches of these tributaries.
Coastal
Winds generated from tropical storms and cyclones
or intense offshore low pressure systems can drive ocean water inland
and cause significant flooding.
Escape routes can be cut off and blocked by
high water.
Storm Surges
A storm surge is an increase in water level
caused principally by atmospheric pressure reduction, and/or the wind
set-up when strong winds pile up water in the general downwind direction.
Storm surges are particularly important with
tropical cyclones, but must be considered a risk with any persistent
strong wind condition, particularly when the water is constrained by
a coast line and the depth becomes shallow. This causes the resulting
surge to be considerably amplified.
In areas where the high tide level is not far
below flood level, it only takes a small surge to produce flooding.
Storm surges can also be produced by sea waves
called tsunamis sometimes referred to as tidal waves. These waves are
produced by earthquakes or volcanic activity.
Urban Flooding
As land is converted from fields or woodlands
to roads and parking lots, it loses its ability to absorb rainfall.
Urbanisation increases run off 2 to 6 times
over what would occur on natural terrain. During periods of urban flooding,
streets can become swift moving rivers, while basements can become death
traps as they fill with water.
FLASH FLOODS
Several factors contribute to flash flooding.
The two key elements are rainfall intensity and duration. Intensity is
the rate of rainfall, and duration is how long the rain lasts. Topography,
soil conditions, and ground cover also play an important role.
Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours
of excessive rainfall, a dam or levee failure. Flash floods can roll large
rocks, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour out new
channels. Rapidly rising water can reach heights of 6 meters, even in
this area it is able to reach heights of 3 meters or more. Furthermore,
flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mud slides.
You will not always have a warning that these deadly, sudden floods are
coming. Most flood deaths are due to FLASH FLOODS.
Most flash flooding is caused by slow-moving thunderstorms,
thunderstorms repeatedly moving over the same area, or heavy rains from
cyclones and tropical storms.
Occasionally, floating debris can accumulate at
a natural or man-made obstruction and restrict the flow of water. Water
held back by the debris dam can cause flooding upstream. Subsequent flash
flooding can occur downstream if the obstruction should suddenly release.
Water-carved gully’s or normally dry creek
beds can fill with fast-moving water very quickly.
BACK
An example of a flash flood in the Ipswich area:
In December 1991, in Bundamba Creek, Ipswich,
QLD
Flash flooding occurred after a heavy rain storm
in the catchment after several days of heavy rain, this resulted in
the creek rising some 1.5 meters in approximatley 15 minutes. The Creek
was unable to contain the amount of water and a wall of flood water
approximately 1.5 meters high left the confines of the normal stream.
This wall of water caused considerable damage
to residential and especially commercial properties, where solid brick
walls were knocked over by the force of the water, and much stock was
damaged.
Whilst during this flood no lives were lost
many people's livelyhoods and personal lives were thrown into turmoil.
An example of the cost of a flash flood in the
USA:
In June 9, 1972 at Black Hills Rapid City, South
Dakota USA
Flash Flooding occurred after 15 inches (375
mm) of rain fell in only 5 hours.
This caused 238 fatalities and one hundred and
sixty four million USA dollars in damages.
Source: (US) National Weather Service
FLASH FLOOD SAFETY RULES
Flash flood waves...moving at incredible speeds...can
roll large rocks...tear out trees...destroy buildings and bridges...and
scour out new channels. Killing walls of water can reach heights of 3
to 6 meters. You will not always have warning that these deadly...sudden
floods are coming.
When a flash flood warning is issued for your
area or the moment you first realise that a flash flood is imminent...act
quickly to save yourself. You may have only seconds.
• Get out of areas subject to flooding. this
includes dips...low spots...gullies...dry creeks...etc.
• Avoid already flooded and high velocity
flow areas. Do not try to cross a flowing stream on foot where water is
above your knees.
• If driving...know the depth of the water
in a dip before crossing. The road bed may not be intact under the water.
• If the vehicle stalls...abandon it immediately
and seek higher ground. rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and
its occupants and sweep them away.
• Be especially cautious at night when it
is harder to recognise flood dangers.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along
streams and washes... particularly during threatening conditions.
• During any flood emergency stay tuned to
your radio...or television. Information from the Bureau of Meteorlogy,
disaster and emergency services may save your life.
MANY FLASH FLOODS OCCUR AT NIGHT...BE PREPARED TO TAKE
QUICK ACTION.
How can a half a meter or so of water cost you your
life? Water weighs 1000kg per cubic meter and typically flows downstream
at 2 to 3 meters per second.
BACK
PLANNING
Plan ahead
Identify where to go if told to evacuate. Choose
several places...a friend's home or a motel in another suburb, or a shelter.
Let relatives know where you plan to go.
Know your area's flood risk. For information,
call your local Council or local State Emergency Service. Check your home
owner’s or renter's insurance. Home owners'
policies do not necessarily cover flooding. Contact your insurance agent
to find out how to get flood insurance.
Flooding can occur Australia wide!
Environmental Clues to Flooding
Listen for:
• Distant thunder, run off from a faraway thunderstorm
could be headed your way.
Look out for:
• Water rising rapidly.
River/rainfall readings are valuable to local
emergency services in assessing flood conditions and taking appropriate
actions. Advanced warning provided by early detection
is critical to saving lives. Automatic flood detection systems are in
use in some flood-prone communities.
Contact your local Authority for further information
on Local Flood Warning Systems.
Remember:
• Even 15cm (6 inches) of fast-moving flood
water can knock you off your feet, and a depth of 60cm (2 feet) will float
your car!
• NEVER try to walk, swim, or drive through
such swift water.
• If you come upon flood waters, STOP! TURN
AROUND AND GO ANOTHER WAY.
Before the flood
What YOU can do:
• Know what the terms 'major', 'moderate'
and 'minor flooding' mean to your area and at what 'official river height'
your home becomes isolated or nundated.
• Know details of local flood history and
plan whether you may need to evacuate and how to get to the nearest safe
location. Know your flood risk and elevation
above flood levels.
• Do your local streams or rivers flood
easily?
If so, be prepared to move to a place of safety.
Know your evacuation routes.
• Keep your automobile fuelled; if electric
power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several
days.
• Store drinking water in clean bathtubs
and in various containers. Water service may be interrupted.
• Keep a stock of food that requires little
cooking and no refrigeration; electric power may be interrupted.
• Keep first aid supplies on hand.
• Have a battery-powered portable radio,
emergency cooking equipment, and flashlights in working order.
Always:-
STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE FLOOD by listening to
commercial radio and television for the latest flash flood/flood warnings.
The rule for being safe in a flooding situation
is simple:
HEAD FOR HIGHER GROUND AND STAY AWAY FROM FLOOD WATERS!
DISASTER PLANNING
Family disaster plan:
Families should be prepared for all hazards that
affect their area. Each family is advised to develop a family disaster
plan.
• Where will your family be when disaster
strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school, or in the car.
• How will you find each other? Will you
know if your children are safe?
• Disasters may force you to evacuate your
neighbourhood or confine you to your home.
• What would you do if basic services water,
gas, electricity or telephones were cut off?
BACK
The Disaster Plan
A disaster plan should address all types of disasters:
1. Gather information about hazards. Contact
your local State Emergency Service (Ipswich) office. Find out what type
of disasters could occur and how you should
respond.
Learn your community's warning signals and evacuation
plans.
2. Meet with your family to create a plan. Discuss
the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside
your home for an emergency, such as fire,
and a place away from your neighbourhood in case you can't return home.
Choose an out of town friend as your "family check-in
contact" for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what
you would do if advised to evacuate.
3. Implement your plan.
(1) Have emergency telephone numbers by phones;
(2) Install safety features in your house, such
as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers;
(3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such
as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them;
(4) Have your family learn basic safety measures,
such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and
when to turn off water, gas, and electricity
in your home;
(5) Teach children how and when to call 000 (Australia)
or your local Emergency Medical Services number;
(6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet
your needs for at least three days. (disaster supply kit)
(7) Arrangements for pets or other animals;
(8) Know evacuation routes and sites.
4. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items
you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy,
easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle
bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep
a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
WHEN YOU RECEIVE A FLOOD WARNING
Act on Flood Warnings
• If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
• Move to a safe area before access is cut
off by flood water.
• Listen to your local radio/TV for further
information.
• Check that your neighbours know of the
warning.
• Stack furniture and possessions above likely
flood level, on beds and in roof (electrical items on top)
• Move garbage, chemicals, poisons, to a
high place.
• Secure object that could float and cause
damage.
• Protect/relocate valuable stock and equipment.
• If on the land, move livestock to high
ground.
• Check your car and fill it with fuel.
• Check emergency kit and fresh water stocks.
A disaster supplies kit should include:
• A first aid kit including prescription
and non-prescription medications
• A 3-day supply of canned or non-perishable
foods and can opener
• At least 12 litres (3 gallons) of water
per person (4 litres (1 gallon) of water/person for at least 3 days)
• Protective clothing & rain wear
• A battery-powered radio, torch and extra
batteries
• Any special items required for family members
with special need such as infants, the elderly or disabled
• One change of clothing and footwear per
person
• One blanket or sleeping bag per person
• Emergency tools (hammer, screwdriver, knife,
shifting spanner, etc)
• An extra set of car keys and a credit card
or cash
• Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled
family members.
• Storage and location of valuable documents,
such as in a safety deposit box
Practice and maintain your plan.
• Ask questions to make sure your family
remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules.
• Conduct drills.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly and change
the batteries at least once a year.
• Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s)
according to manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored water and food
every six months.
BACK
DURING AND AFTER A FLOOD
If you remain in your home, or when you return,
take these precautions:
• Keep your emergency kit safe and dry.
• Do not eat food which has been in contact
with flood water and even boil all tap water until supplies have been
declared safe.
• Don't use gas or electrical appliances
which have been flood-affected, until they have been safety-checked.
• Beware of snakes and spiders which may
move to drier areas in your house.
• Avoid wading, even in shallow water, as
it may be contaminated - if you must enter shallow flood water, wear solid
shoes and check depth with a stick.
• Check with appropriate authorities (eg
in Queensland ring RACQ) for safe routes before driving anywhere and don't
enter water without checking depth and current.
• Keep listening to your local radio and
TV station and heed all warnings and advice.
• Listen to local radio or television stations
for information when flood conditions are present.
During and after a flood you will need:
• A portable radio and torch with fresh batteries.
• Candles and water proof matches.
• Reasonable stocks of fresh water and tinned
food.
• A first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge.
• Good supplies of essential medication.
• Strong shoes and rubber gloves.
• A waterproof bag for clothing and valuables.
• Your emergency contact numbers
During the flood:
• Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.
• If you come upon a flowing stream where
water is above your ankles, STOP! Turn around and go another way.
• Do not attempt to drive over a flooded
road. The depth of water is not always obvious.
• The road bed may be washed out under the
water, and you could be stranded or trapped.
• Children should NEVER play around high
water, storm drains, viaducts, or gullies.
If you need to evacuate
You may be advised to evacuate by local authorities,
but if you leave of your own accord, tell police or State/Territory Emergency
Service (S/TES) and your neighbours. In
either case, take the following actions:
• Empty freezers and refrigerators leaving
doors open (to avoid floating and subsequent damage).
• Collect and secure your personal valuables,
papers, money, photo albums and family mementos.
• Turn off power, gas, water, and take you
emergency kit.
FLOODS AND CARS
Nearly half of all flash flood fatalities are
motor vehicle related!
In your car:
Look out for:
• flooding at highway dips, bridges, and
low areas.
When a vehicle stalls in the water, the water's
momentum is transferred to the car.
For each 30cm (1 foot) the water rises, 250kgs
of lateral force are applied to the car.
But the biggest factor is buoyancy. For each 30cm
(1 foot) the water rises up the side of the car, the car displaces 750kgs
of water. In effect, the car weighs 750kgs less
for each 30cm (1 foot) the water rises.
60cm (2 feet) of water will carry away most automobiles.
• If driving, be aware that the road bed
may not be intact under flood waters. Turn around and go another way.
NEVER drive through flooded roadways!
• If the vehicle stalls, leave it immediately
and seek higher ground. Rapidly rising water may engulf the vehicle and
its occupants and sweep them away. Remember, it's
better to be wet than dead!
• Be especially cautious at night when it
is harder to recognise flood dangers.
• Do not camp or park your vehicle along
streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions.
BACK
AFTER THE FLOOD:
• Do not visit disaster areas. Your presence
might hamper rescue and other emergency operations.
• If fresh food has come in contact with
flood waters, throw it out.
• Boil drinking water before using. Wells
should be pumped out and the water tested for purity before drinking.
If in doubt, call your local council health department.
• Seek necessary medical care at the nearest
hospital.
• If you have to leave your home your local
State Emergency Service will direct you to a Welfare Centre where food,
clothing, shelter, and first aid are available.
• Electrical equipment should be checked
and dried before being returned to service.
• Use battery torches not lanterns or matches,
to examine buildings. Flammable may be inside.
• Report broken utility lines to appropriate
authorities.
BACK
Health
Concerns
Floods . . . Health and Safety Issues
Flooding not only causes considerable damage,
but also creates conditions leading to disease, injury and psychosocial
problems. The following guide provides basic information
for pre-flood planning and preventing flood-associated conditions.
Infectious Diseases
Major outbreaks of infectious diseases are uncommon
after disasters in industrialised countries.
The most likely diseases to occur due to flooding
are diarrhoeal and gastrointestinal diseases caused by contaminated water
and vector-borne diseases due toincreased
mosquito breeding habitats.
There is also an increased risk of tetanus due
to flood-related injuries and exposure to flood water. Increases in respiratory
diseases associated with growth of moulds
and fungi also have occurred after flooding.
Diarrhoeal/gastrointestinal diseases
Gastrointestinal diseases may be caused by a variety
of micro organisms associated with drinking contaminated water, eating
contaminated food or failure to wash hands
properly after exposure to flood waters. The following recommendations
are provided to help prevent gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap
and clean water after they have been in contact with flood waters. If
possible, gloves should be worn, especially when cleaning
up after the flood.
• Make sure water is safe before drinking,
washing dishes, brushing teeth, making ice or preparing food. Use bottled
water or treat the water. The following methods should
be used to make water safe for use.
• Bring water to a rolling boil water and
continue to boil for at least 1 minute,
• Ensure food items are safe
• A freezer will keep foods safe for 24 to
48 hours after electricity is discontinued if the door remains closed.
Food should be discarded if electricity remains off longer
than 48 hours or if there is doubt about how long the foods may have been
above 40° F. (4° C)
• Dry ice can be used if electrical power
will be cut off. A 25kg block of dry ice will keep food safe for approximately
2 days in an 18-cubic foot freezer. To avoid burns,
be sure to wear gloves or use tongs when handling dry ice. Wrap dry ice
in paper and separate it from direct contact with food.
• Foods in paper, cardboard or any container
which has been opened should be discarded after contact with floodwaters.
• Canned foods can be used if the cans are
undamaged. Cans should be washed in a bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach
in 1 gallon of water) for at least one minute and then
dried. Any can that is damaged, pitted or otherwise compromised should
be discarded.
• Home-canned items should generally be discarded
since it is difficult to determine if the seal has been broken. If it
is certain that water has not reached the jar top, the
food may be used after the jar is sanitised.
• Root and garden vegetables should be discarded.
"When in doubt, throw it out."
BACK
Mosquito-borne diseases
Prevention of mosquito-borne encephalitis involves
eliminating breeding areas, using larvicides and adulticides under high
threat conditions. Local vector control agencies
and will coordinate mosquito trapping and
identification this summer. Surveillance programs will provide valuable
information about the extent of disease reservoirs and presence
of disease-causing viruses. This information will be used to notify the
public about the potential disease threat and implementation of preventive
measures.
You also can help protect yourself from mosquito-borne
diseases by:
• Eliminating insect environments and breeding
sites around your home.
• Keeping insects out of the house by making
sure screens are in good condition and by using air-conditioning.
• Using insect repellents and decreasing
outside activities when mosquitoes are most active, usually during dusk
and dawn.
Tetanus
Tetanus occurs when the tetanus bacteria enters
through an opening in the skin such as a wound. Because there is an increased
chance you might experience a wound when
dealing with flood conditions, especially during clean-up, it is important
that tetanus immunisations are up-to-date. Tetanus boosters are required
every 10 years.
If an injury causes an open wound, a physician
should be consulted. If it has been 5 years or longer since the last tetanus
booster, another booster generally is recommended.
To get a tetanus booster, contact your physician or local health department.
Respiratory Illnesses
Respiratory illnesses can occur from bacteria
and fungi resulting from flooding. Although most illnesses are mild, some
people can experience severe respiratory illnesses.
Prompt and adequate clean-up procedures are needed to reduce and prevent
the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Respiratory protection may be necessary when initially
returning home and during clean-up. Consult an expert to ensure that an
appropriate type of respirator is used.
Your physician can determine if you have any medical
conditions which might prevent you from using a respirator or assisting
with clean-up activities.
INJURIES
Injuries are likely to occur during floods.
Some common-sense methods to prevent injuries
include:
• Do not swim or wade in flood waters.
• Do not attempt to cross swift-flowing water
or water of unknown depth, even in a vehicle.
• Avoid downed power lines.
• Be wary of stray and wild animals displaced
by the flood.
• Do not return to your home or business
until authorities give approval.
• Wear protective gear such as boots, gloves
and helmets when entering a recently flooded building.
• Make sure the building is structurally
safe before entering. Look for buckling walls and sagging ceilings. Look
before you step.
• Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns
when returning to your home. To avoid explosions from undetected gases,
do not use anything with an open flame. If you
notice a gas-like smell, vacate the building and contact your local utility
company.
• Make sure the electrical power is turned
off before entering a building. Use a dry, wooden stick to turn off the
main breaker switch.
• Do not operate electrical equipment when
standing in water.
• Do not operate gas-powered equipment indoors.
"When in doubt, seek an expert."
Psychosocial Problems
Stress associated with displacement, damage and
destruction of homes and personal belongings is a major concern. Be aware
of the signs of stress and anxiety in yourself,
friends and family members. Getting sufficient rest and nutrition, discussing
problems and establishing a manageable schedule for clean-up and rebuilding
will help reduce stress. Assistance and
counselling is available from various agencies. If the situation becomes
unmanageable, seek professional help.
FLOOD CLEANUP:
Returning Home and Cleaning Up
Once flood waters have receded and it is safe
to return home, cleaning-up and drying out should be your top priorities.
Obviously, food items will need to be evaluated and handled as previously
described.
The following information provides general guidelines
for cleaning up:
• Wear protective clothing such as gloves,
boots, etc.
• Follow label directions for all the chemicals
and cleaning products you use.
• Get fresh air moving through the house
by opening doors and windows, weather permitting.
• Lower the humidity by using fans, dehumidifiers
and desiccants.
• Remove as much mud as possible.
• Clean heating and air conditioning ducts
by hosing and washing. Use a disinfectant such as a quaternary, phenolic
or pine oil base.
• Clean one room at a time. Recommended cleaners
include non-sudsing household cleaners or laundry soap. In addition to
commercial disinfectants, household bleach
also can be used as a disinfectant. Commercial mildew removers, washing
soda, trisodium phosphate or chlorine bleach can be used to be remove
moulds and mildew.
• Do not mix bleach with other chemical products.
• Wash hard surfaces with household cleaner.
• Wash clothing in a disinfecting solution.
Follow the product and washing instructions to prevent damage.
• Promptly wipe off and clean "mildewy" items.
Upholstered furniture should be cleaned with a suds-producing cleaner.
Diluted alcohol (1 cup rubbing or denatured alcohol
with 1 cup water) may be used to wipe off the surfaces. Dry quickly. Drying
is hastened by ventilation and fans.
• Wipe down books and other paper products.
Stand them on end with the pages spread out and then stack and press to
keep them from wrinkling. Alternate opening
and stacking until they are completely dry. Talcum powder or corn starch
may be used to help absorb moisture. Paper products also may be frozen
after rinsing until you have time to clean
them.
• Discard items that cannot be adequately
or safely cleaned.
BACK
Prepare
for Cleanup
Remove Standing Water
Standing water is a breeding ground for micro
organisms, which can become airborne and be inhaled.
Where floodwater contains sewage or decaying animal
carcasses, infectious disease is of concern. Even when flooding is due
to rain water, the growth of micro organisms
can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. For these health
reasons, and to lessen structural damage, all standing water should be
removed as quickly as possible.
Dry
Out Your Home
Excess moisture in the home is an indoor air quality
concern for three reasons:
• Micro organisms brought into the home during
flooding may present a health hazard. These organisms can penetrate deep
into soaked, porous materials and later be
released into air or water. Coming in contact with air or water that contains
these organisms can make you sick.
• High humidity and moist materials provide
ideal environments for the excessive growth of micro organisms that are
always present in the home.
This may result in additional health concerns
such as allergic reactions.
• Long term increases in humidity in the
home can also foster the growth of dust mites. Dust mites are a major
cause of allergic reactions and asthma.
Be patient. The drying out process could take
several weeks, and growth of micro organisms will continue as long as
humidity is high. If the house is not dried out properly,
a musty odour, signifying growth of micro organisms, can remain long after
the flood.
BACK
Remove Wet Materials
It can be difficult to throw away items in a home,
particularly those with sentimental value. However, keeping certain items
that were soaked by water may be unhealthy.
Some materials tend to absorb and keep water more
than others.
As a general rule: Materials that are wet and
cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried should be discarded, as they can
remain a source of microbial growth.
A suggestion is that you may be able to dry out
and save certain building materials (for example, wallboard, fibreglass
insulation, and wall-to-wall carpeting that were soaked
only with clean rain water; and plaster).
You may, however, want to consider removing and
replacing them to avoid indoor air quality problems. Because they take
a long time to dry, they may be a source of
microbial growth
In addition, fibreboard, fibrous insulation, and
disposable filters should be replaced, if they are present in your heating
and air conditioning system and contacted water.
(If a filter was designed to be cleaned with water and was in contact
with clean rain water only, ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned before
reinstalling.)
Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems
During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality
in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However,
failure to remove contaminated materials and
to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks.
Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for micro organisms,
such as viruses, bacteria, and mould. They
can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage
materials long after the flood.
Problems caused by microbial growth, as well as
other potential effects of flooding, on long-term indoor air quality and
the steps you can take to lessen these effects
is discussed here.
Although the information contained here emphasises
residential flood cleanup, it is also applicable to other types of buildings.
Avoid Problems from the Use of Cleaners and Disinfectants
The cleanup process involves thorough washing
and disinfecting of the walls, floors, closets, shelves, and contents
of the house.
In most cases, common household cleaning products
and disinfectants are used for this task. It is also suggested the use
of disinfectants and sanitisers on the duct work
for the heating and air conditioning system, if it has been flooded.
Disinfectants and sanitisers contain toxic substances.
The ability of chemicals in other household products
used for cleaning to cause health effects varies greatly, from those with
no known health effect to those that are highly
toxic. Read and follow label instructions carefully, and provide fresh
air by opening windows and doors.
If it is safe for you to use electricity and the
home is dry, use fans both during and after the use of disinfecting, cleaning,
and sanitising products.
Be careful about mixing household cleaners and
disinfectants together. Check labels for cautions on this. Mixing certain
types of products can produce toxic fumes and
result in injury and even death.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless
gas that can be lethal at high levels. Carbon monoxide levels can build
up rapidly if certain types of combustion devices
(for example, petrol powered generators, camp stoves and lanterns, or
charcoal-burning devices) are used indoors. Do not use combustion devices
designed for outdoor use indoors.
Avoid Problems from Airborne Asbestos and Lead
Dust
Asbestos
Elevated concentrations of airborne asbestos can
occur if asbestos-containing materials present in the home are disturbed.
Airborne asbestos can cause lung cancer and
mesothelioma, a cancer of the chest and abdominal linings. If you know
or suspect that your home contains asbestos.
In Queensland contact State Health. Elsewhere
contact appropriate authorities.
Lead
Lead is a highly toxic metal which produces a
range of adverse health effects, particularly in young children. Disturbance
or removal of materials containing lead-based
paint may result in elevated concentration of lead dust in the air. If
you know or suspect that your home contains lead-based paint, information
on steps you should take to avoid exposure.
In Queensland contact State Health. Elsewhere
contact appropriate authorities.
Resources
During disaster conditions, various federal, state
and local agencies are able to provide assistance. Information about assistance
agencies and organisations is provided by
local radio, television and newspapers.
TAKE ACTION!
Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready
to evacuate on a moment's notice.
When a flash flood warning is issued for your
area, or the moment you realise that a flash flood is imminent, act quickly
to save yourself. You may have only SECONDS!
Go to higher ground. Climb to safety!
• Get out of areas subject to flooding. This
includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes, etc. • Avoid already flooded
and high velocity flow areas.
• Do not attempt to cross flowing streams.
BACK
|
