• Immunizations Needed
• Re-entering Your Home Safely
• Mold
• Chemical Hazards
• Private Well Water

Immunizations Needed

• Td or Tdap if it has been over 10 years since your last booster
• No other immunizations are suggested by the CDC
• Tetanus Shots

Re-entering Your Home Safely

• Electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire and electrocution, or explosions
• If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows and leave immediately. Contact authorities
• Your electrical system may also be damaged. If you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the circuit breaker, if this can be done safely.
• Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water. They may still be live.
• Do not wade or walk in standing water. It may contain live downed electrical wires, sewage, chemical hazards and other dangers.
• Consult the local authorities or electric company before using any electrical equipment, including power generators.
• If a generator is on line when power is restored, it can become a major fire hazard,

Dry out your house

• If you have electricity and an electrician has determined that it's safe to turn it on, use a "wet-dry" shop vacuum, an electric powered water transfer pump, or sump pump to remove standing water
• If you are using a gas-powered pump, generator, power washer, or any other gasoline-powered tools to clean your home, never operate the gasoline engine inside a home, basement, garage, carport, porch or other enclosed or partially enclosed space, even with windows and doors open. Such improper use can create dangerously high levels of carbon monoxide and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• If weather permits, open windows and doors to speed the drying process.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. Fans should be placed at a window or door to blow the air outwards rather than inwards, to avoid spreading mold.
• Prevent water outdoors from re-entering your home. For example, rain water from the gutters or roof should drain away from the house.
• Ensure that crawl spaces or basements have proper drainage to limit water seepage. Ventilate to allow the area to dry out.

Mold

• Take things that were wet for two or more days outside. Mold is already growing, even if you can't see it.
• Take out anything made of cloth, unless you can wash it in hot water.
• Throw away leather, paper, wood and carpet.
• Use bleach to clean mold off hard objects: countertops, flatware, plates and tools (non-electrical).
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and N-95 mask (find these at a local hardware store or places like Lowe's and Menards).
• Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.
• Mix no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water.
• Wash the item with the bleach and water mixture.
• If the surface of the item is rough, scrub the surface with a stiff brush
• Rinse with clean water.
• Dry the item or leave it out to dry.

Recognizing mold

• Sight: Are the walls and ceiling discolored, or do they show signs of mold growth or water damage?
• Smell: Do you smell a bad odor, such as a musty, earthy smell or a foul stench?

People at risk from mold

• People with asthma, allergies or other breathing problems ( COPD).
• People with immune suppression (such as people with HIV, cancer patients taking chemotherapy, and people who have received an organ transplant).

Possible heath effect of mold exposure

• People who are sensitive may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, or skin irritation.
• People allergic to mold might have difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath.
• People with weakened immune systems and with chronic lung diseases may develop mold infections in their lungs.

Safely preventing mold growth

• WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE IT OUT!
• Porous non-cleanable items include:
• Carpeting and padding
• Upholstery,
• Wallpaper and drywall
• Floor and ceiling tiles
• Insulation material
• Mattresses and box springs

Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems

• You may need to hire a professional to inspect your system. Any needed repairs or cleaning of vents and air ducts should be performed before restarting the system.
• Throw away wet and water-damaged filters.
• Do not run your HVAC system if you know or think that it is contaminated with mold--it could spread mold throughout your home.
• Turn off your HVAC system and cover vents and ducts during cleaning to prevent contaminating it.

Chemical Hazards

• Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter.
• Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.
• If any propane tanks (a 20-pound tank from a gas grill or household propane) are discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself. These represent a real danger of fire or explosion. Please contact your fire or police department immediately.
• Car batteries may still contain an electrical charge and should be removed with extreme caution by using insulated gloves. Avoid coming into contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car battery.

Private Well Water

• Private well water should be tested before personal use.
• Wait for the water to recede, then shock-chlorinate your well.
• Wait two days after chlorination to ensure that the chlorine has been flushed from the system before obtaining a test sample.
• It may take up to 10 days to get the results.
• Continue to use bottled water or a safe water supply for drinking, cooking, laundry and bathing until a lab has verified your well water is safe.
• Kits can be obtained through your local Iowa Public Health Department office.
• If you have any questions, please contact University of Iowa Hygienic Labs at 319-335-4500.

Private Sewage Systems

• Do not use the sewage system until water in the disposal field is lower than the water level around the house.
• If you suspect damage to your septic tank, have it professionally inspected and serviced.

For more information:

The Dangers of Flood Waters

Mold

Floods

Emergencies

Tetanus Shots