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June 16, 2008 FLOOD INFORMATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: (Kathy Munsey, Green Lake County Health Officer, 920-294-4070) TIPS FOR COPING WITH FLOODS Green Lake County Health Department — Green Lake County health officials are urging victims of the recent flooding to follow to take health and safety precautions. “Many residents are wondering what to do and where to turn for assistance in restoring their homes and water supplies,” said Kathy Munsey, Green Lake County Health Officer. “The Green Lake County health department recommends that if you have a private well that has been submerged by flood waters, wait until the waters recede and then sample it for bacteria.” Sample kits may be obtained from the Green Lake County health department. If samples come back as having unsafe levels of bacteria present, it is recommended that the well be disinfected and then re-sampled. Information on how to perform sampling and well sanitizing can be obtained from the health department or on the Department of Natural Resources web site at: http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/dwg/flood.htm Here are some other important tips for homeowners when cleaning and repairing their flood-damaged homes: o Carpeting, drywall and other building materials affected by flood waters will in most instances need to be removed and discarded. ANY POROUS MATERIALS THAT CAN NOT BE DRIED IN 48 HOURS SHOULD BE DISCARDED. o Do not rush to replace drywall and carpeting. The home must be thoroughly dried before installing new materials. o Using dehumidifiers and fans can hasten this process. Weather permitting, open windows to further assist with the ventilation and drying of basements, crawl spaces and living areas. o Walls typically need several days to dry and floors may take several weeks. It may make sense to remove wet sub flooring. o If using a portable generator, keep it outside and far away from the building, including away from windows or air intakes for heating and air conditioning systems. The exhaust or fumes from a portable generator could kill you in minutes if you breathe it in. Common symptoms of exposure to carbon monoxide are headache, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and mental confusion. o Remember to protect yourself while cleaning. Wear work boots, eye and hand protection and, if working with mold, respiratory protection. o Additional resources for cleaning up flood water can be found at: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/eh/DisasterHealthSafety/flooding.htm and http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/index.asp For information on the current storm situation view the Wisconsin Emergency Management website at http://emergencymanagement.wi.gov/section.asp?linkid=1353&locid=18. For up to date road closings and conditions please view www.dot.wi.gov. If you have questions about flood-related issues and how to prevent it, contact the Green Lake County health department at (920) 294-4070 or visit our website at http://www.co.green-lake.wi.us/. ###