Health Department offers safety tips for flood clean up

Residents encouraged to wear PPE & discard exposed foods

As residents begin returning to homes impacted by recent flooding, the Hamilton County Health Department is reminding residents to take extra safety precautions to reduce the risk of injury, illness, and exposure to mold.

Protect yourself during cleanup

Residents should wear appropriate personal protective equipment when entering and cleaning flood-damaged areas. Recommended items include:

• N95 masks, particularly when working around drywall, insulation, mold, or other materials that may create airborne particles.
• Protective gloves to prevent contact with contaminants and reduce the risk of cuts and puncture wounds.*
• Heavy-duty trash bags for damaged materials and household items.

*Cuts and puncture wounds can increase the risk of infection, including tetanus. Residents should make sure their tetanus vaccination is current and contact a healthcare provider if they are injured during cleanup.

Furnaces & water heaters

Furnaces, water heaters, and other equipment exposed to floodwater should be professionally inspected before being used. Heating and ventilation systems should be properly cleaned, and any mold addressed before circulating air throughout the home.

Residents should not attempt to operate flood-damaged appliances until they have been determined safe by a qualified professional.

Food safety

Residents should use extra caution with food stored in refrigerators or freezers following flooding or power outages. Food that came into contact with floodwater should be thrown away. Refrigerated perishable food that has been above 41°F should also be discarded. When in doubt, the safest option is to throw food away.

Intact commercially canned foods may be salvageable if labels are removed, and the cans are properly cleaned and sanitized. Damaged, swollen, leaking, or rusted cans should be discarded.

Supplies & assistance available

Residents who need food, cleanup supplies, or other resources can call (317) 645-3261 for assistance or visit the Hamilton County 4-H Fairgrounds for available resources.

Anyone with questions about flood-related health and safety concerns should contact the Hamilton County Health Department for additional guidance.