HEALTH PRECAUTIONS:A NUMBER of basic precautions need to be taken by people to protect their health and that of their families when they return to their flooded homes and businesses to clean up, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has said.
It advises people to cover cuts and sores with waterproof plasters, to wear plastic or rubber gloves and to wash hands with soap and clean water before and afterwards. The first step should be to remove mud and dust, then scrub hard surfaces, including walls, furniture and floors, with hot soapy water and detergent.
All food preparation surfaces and equipment should be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected. You should dispose of any food and packaging that had contact with floodwater, including canned food.
Bedclothes and other soft fabric items such as children’s toys should be washed on a hot cycle (60 degrees or higher). This will destroy most germs.
“Other contaminated soft furnishings that cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be cleaned professionally,” the HSE said.
To dry out the property, you should open all doors and windows and remember that dehumidifiers and other fuel-driven equipment should never be used indoors without adequate ventilation. Try to have some heating on at all times once it has been checked.
The HSE warns that rats may be on the move after a flood. Avoid approaching them and if you are bitten seek medical advice. In many areas of the south, midlands and west, people have been urged to boil water before all uses.
The HSE also says if you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. If higher than 200mg per litre, use a different type. The HSE South said there had been no evidence of any additional cases of gastroenteritis reported after the floods. It added that anyone who feels unwell should contact their family doctor.