Health and safety concerns rise because of flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ)- In the wake of severe flooding throughout Kentucky, the Department for Public Health stresses the importance of  taking certain precautions.

To keep you and your family safe, you should follow the appropriate safety guidelines for food safety, mold removal, and other issued caused by flooding.

The Department for Public Health suggests that if you are cleaning up after flooding, you should be up-to-date with tetanus vaccines in case you get an open wound. Flood related drowning is also a danger. This is why it is important to never drive or get into flood waters unless you are escaping immediate danger. Flooding can also cause damage to power lines and natural gas systems. Never touch or go near down power lines. If you smell natural gas or propane, open doors and windows and evacuate the area immediately.

When cleaning homes and other structures, you want to wear proper safety gear including work/water-proof gloves, rubber boots, helmets, protective glasses and other appropriate clothing. Power tools need to be properly grounded. Use ground fault interrupters (GFI) if available. Never use electric power tools in or near standing water.

Homes and other flooded structures risk mold growth. Mold grows best in a warm, damp, and humid area. Look for discoloration of walls due to water damage, or green and black spots. The smell can also give mold away. If your house smells musty, earthy, or foul then you could be dealing with mold. If mold is present, you will need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold can be cleaned from hard surfaces with soap and water, commercial cleaners, or a bleach solution. Severe mold cases may require an expert to clean up.

The Department for Public Health recommends keep doors and windows open when cleaning mold. Wash clothing after cleaning mold. If there is heavy mold growth, you should use a suitable mask to prevent breathing in mold spores. Throw away wet items that have been saturated for longer than 48 hours and cannot be cleaned or dried properly.

If your power has been affected by flooding, you need to take precautions with food. Keep your freezer closed to maintain proper temperatures for frozen items. Refrigerated foods should be safe as long as power is out for no more than four hours. Certain items need to be tossed if they power is out for 2 hours or longer. Perishable foods sitting in temperatures higher than 40 degrees should be throw out, including meat, poultry, lunch-meats, fish, dairy products, eggs and any prepared or cooked foods.