Flood Health and Safety Tips

Flood Health & Safety Tips Information from the State of Wisconsin Emergency Mgmt.

Using Generators in Flooded Areas can Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Mold in Your Home: Cleaning Options

Franklin, Wisconsin — Health officials are urging victims of the recent flooding to follow and take health and safety precautions. 

"Many residents are wondering what to do and where to turn for assistance during and after flooding" said William Wucherer, City of Franklin Health Officer.  "The Franklin Health Department recommends that if you have a private well that has been submerged by flood waters, do not drink the water.  Wait until the waters recede and then sample the well for bacteria."      

Sample kits may be obtained from the Franklin 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: 

  • 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.
  • A twenty page booklet is available online from the EPA that gives simple instructions for safely cleaning your home after a flood -  http://www.epa.gov/mold/flood/flood_booklet_en.pdf.
  • Do not rush to replace drywall and carpeting.  The home must be thoroughly dried before installing new materials.
    • 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.
    • Walls typically need several days to dry and floors may take several weeks.  It may make sense to remove wet sub flooring. 
  • If using a portable generator, keep it outside and far away from the building.  The exhaust or fumes from a portable generator could kill you in minutes if you breathe it in.
  • Remember to protect yourself while cleaning.  Wear work boots, eye and hand protection and, if working with mold, respiratory protection.
    • If you're not sure when you had your last tetanus immunizations please contact the Franklin Health Department at (414) 425-9101.

If you have questions about flood-related issues and how to prevent it, contact the Franklin Health Department at 414-425-9101.

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