HSE warns of health risks from the rising floodwaters
By Mary O’connor
People in south and east Galway whose houses have been flooded are being advised by the HSE West to take simple precautions to prevent illness before re-occupying their homes.
A spokesperson for the local health authority’s environmental department warned that the floodwater that entered homes in the area may cause sickness.
“If you feel unwell in the next few days, especially with a stomach upset, see your doctor immediately and tell him that you have been cleaning up floodwater.”
People are being urged to wash their hands with soap and clean water before eating and smoking, after toilet use, after participating in flood clean-up activities and after handling articles contaminated with flood water.
If as a result of flooding you are not sure if water is safe then boil or disinfect it as a precaution, it says.
The HSE offers the following advice:-
1. Remove mud.
* Shovel out as much mud as possible. Any remaining mud will dry out and turn into dust. If possible, vacuum this instead of brushing.
* Keep any cuts or sores clean and prevent them from being exposed to flood water. Wear waterproof plasters.
* Watch out for broken glass, nails or sharp objects. Wounds that are associated with a flood should be evaluated for risk by a physician.
* Do not allow children to play in floodwater areas (this included affected grassed or paved areas) and wash children’s hands frequently. Wash and disinfect all toys that may have come in contact with floodwater.
2. Clean and disinfect.
* Scrub surfaces with hot, soapy water and detergent.
* Wipe over surfaces with a weak solution of bleach (5ml to 1 litre of water or one cup of bleach to one bucket of water). Allow a contact time of about 30 minutes after applying the bleach solution.
* Items such as soft furnishings, clothes, curtains that have come into contact with floodwater should be placed in refuse sacks and disposed of.
* Consider discarding all water damaged materials, including furniture.
* All food preparation surfaces, equipment, crockery, cutlery, glassware, etc must be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected. (Wash with hot soapy water and detergent and finally disinfect with solution of bleach - 5ml to one litre of water. Alternatively, use Milton, Dettol, etc and follow the manufacturers’ instructions).
* Any food and associated packaging that have come into contact with floodwater must be disposed of.
* Thoroughly clean and disinfect any taps that may have been in contact with floodwater with diluted bleach and then run them for five to 10 minutes to flush the water through.
3. Dry out
* Open all windows and doors to ventilate your home.
* Ensure all air bricks and vents are unblocked.
* Allow all cleaned surfaces to dry completely as germs and mould thrive in wet conditions.
* Once your heating has been certified safe to use it can be turned on to help dry out the house (Keep the temperature around 20 to 22 degrees celsius.
For further information contact your local environmental health officer. Log onto www.hse.ie for details.
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