Flood Information
After a Flood
How to Protect Your Home and Family from the Hazards of Contaminated Water
The Atlantic County Division of Public Health
Flooding Hazards
Water is a cherished necessity of life. But when excess water floods homes, businesses or
vehicles, the effects can be devastating. Even minor flooding can saturate buildings, damage
furniture and ruin personal belongings. Floods can fill your home with more than just water –dangerous contaminants like E. Coli, Salmonella
and Shigella are often found in impure floodwaters.
You can protect your home and family from the dangerous effects of floodwater pollutants with
a few simple cleaning tips and disinfecting
techniques. By following these easy guidelines brought to you by the Atlantic County Division
of Public Health, you can minimize the extent and cost of flood damage and ensure your
family’s safety.
Flooding and water damage can be devastating, but it does not have to destroy your family’s
health. Look over this important flood clean up information and remember that the Atlantic
County Division of Public Health is here for you with information, advice and the ability to help
you enjoy healthy living in Atlantic County.
Protect Your Home and Family
It is important to begin cleaning up as soon as possible after flooding or water damage.
Harmful germs, mildew and mold thrive in damp conditions, so be sure to target both
visible dirt and invisible germs. Both during and after clean up, make sure you protect yourself from both germs and chemicals
by following these simple guidelines:
• Use rubber gloves when handling items that have been in flood waters.
• Wear washable clothing while cleaning up and launder it with hot water and detergent.
• Wash hands with soap and water after being in flooded areas.
• Wear rubber boots while in flooded areas and disinfect them afterward.
• Throw cleaning rags away in plastic bags.
Mix Your Own Disinfectant
Mixing your own disinfecting solution using household bleach and water is an easy,
affordable and practical way to sanitize your home and belongings after water damage.
Liquid bleach is not only an effective disinfectant, it is also safe for the environment
and easy to use throughout your home. To mix an effective sanitizing solution, combine ¾ cup of household liquid bleach with
one gallon of clean water. Items can either be soaked in this solution or washed using a clean
rag. Either way, allow the solution to cover each item for at least two minutes before rinsing it with
clean water and then drying it to prevent the growth of mildew. Remember to change this
solution as soon as it becomes cloudy. Although bleach and water can be safely mixed,
you should never mix other household chemicals or cleaning products unless the label instructions
indicate that it is safe. Some chemical combinations– like ammonia and chlorine bleach – can be
deadly, so use care when using any household cleaner.
Inside Your Home
As soon as flood waters recede, begin disinfecting your home by cleaning hard surfaces
like floors, walls and counters with sanitizing solution. If possible, clean and dry large items outside
the house to prevent the spread of contamination. Sometimes flooding causes sewage backup in your
home. Disinfect your toilet by letting one cup of
liquid household bleach stand in the bowl for 10 minutes.
Furniture and Appliances
Although solid wood furniture can usually be cleaned and repaired after flood damage,
water often warps wood veneer. Upholstered furniture, mattresses and carpets soak up floodwater
and contaminants. In most cases, these items should be thrown away or cleaned by a
professional. Household appliances that have been submerged in floodwaters must be clean and dry
before use. Talk with an electrician to be sure that your appliances can be used safely.
Kitchen Safety
Disinfect dishes and other kitchen items by soaking them in sanitizing solution for at least two
minutes before rinsing in clean water. Plastic or porous items such as wooden spoons,
cutting boards and baby bottles can absorb contaminants. These items cannot be safely
disinfected and should be thrown away. You should also throw away all food items that
have come in contact with floodwaters. Even canned goods can be contaminated, so be sure to
discard them.
Clothing and Linens
Because germs and mildew attack most natural and man-made fibers, all fabric items
should be disinfected as soon as possible. If your washing machine has been damaged or
you have several loads of laundry to wash, be sure that fabrics waiting to be washed are not
kept wet. Hang these items on a line or spread them out to dry. Be sure to wear rubber gloves
whenever you handle flood-soaked items. Check the care tags on each item for specific
washing instructions. Wash fabrics in the hottest setting recommended on the care tag and
be sure to use a disinfectant that is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
recommended for laundry. Registration information should be printed on the product label.
If using household liquid bleach, add 1 ½ cups bleach for large capacity washing machines and
one cup bleach for standard machines. After
washing, dry fabrics using a machine or hang them on a line. Dry-clean-only fabrics, furs and
leather goods should be cleaned only by trained professionals.
Children’s Items
Washable toys should be disinfected using sanitizing solution, soaking for at least two minutes
before being rinsed with clean water. A net bag makes disinfecting small toys a lot
easier. Soft, porous toys and other children’s items like pacifiers and baby bottles can absorb
harmful contaminants. Usually these items should be thrown away. If there is any question about
whether an item can be disinfected or not, it is better to throw it away than to risk spreading contamination.
Outdoor Items
Clean exterior surfaces that have been in contact with flood waters with clean water and
a powerful hose before soaking in sanitizing solution for at least two minutes. Be sure to rinse
with clean water. Remember to disinfect items such as children’s toys, play equipment and
outdoor furniture. Cleaning up after flooding or water damage can be
a difficult and time-consuming process. It is also an essential task that ensures your safety.
Get More Information
We hope this flood cleanup guide has been helpful to you in preparing for and responding
to flooding and water damage. If you have any questions regarding flooding,
household safety or environmental health, call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health
at 609-645-5971. The Atlantic County Division of Public Health
EPA and CDC Information
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