Heavy rains have caused flooding throughout Southwest Ohio in recent days, including in some areas of Hamilton County. Flooding can create many safety issues for residents and business owners, such as mold and sewer backups that spread bacteria, fecal material, viruses and other organisms that cause disease.
Hamilton County Public Health has published a fact sheet with tips that can reduce risks to your health as you clean your home or business that’s been contaminated with flood water. A few highlights:
-Wash hands frequently when working in contaminated areas or cleaning affected items.
-Wear rubber boots and gloves during clean-up.
-Do not allow children to play in areas contaminated by flood waters or sewage backup.
-Open windows and increase ventilation by using fans to increase air circulation and speed up drying.
-Discard food exposed to flood waters, including items in refrigerators or freezers that have taken in water.
-Discard all fully thawed foods as well as partially thawed foods that won’t be immediately prepared. Discard milk, cheeses, and bulging or leaking canned food.
-Discard or properly wash and disinfect toys, clothing and other contaminated objects.
Read, download and print Hamilton County Public Health’s full fact sheet about safely cleaning up after a flood.
For additional resources and flood updates, review the Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency website.
