FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2005
CONTACT: Doc Kokol (850) 245-4111
** HURRICANE KATRINA INFORMATION SHEET**
Proper Sewage Clean Up Procedures
Heavy rainfall from hurricanes may result in flood waters
that are contaminated with sewage. Proper cleaning and disinfecting
procedures are recommended to prevent illness.
How to clean up sewage contaminated items and sewage spills
inside your home:
- Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and waterproof
gloves.
- Clean walls, hard-surfaced floors, and other household
surfaces with soap and water and disinfect with a solution
of 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Once cleanup
is complete dry out affected items to prevent the growth
of mold.
- Do not mix ammonia cleansers with bleach as toxic vapors
will form.
- Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean
them.
- Discard Items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned,
such as mattresses, carpeting, wall coverings and upholstered
furniture.
For spills outside your home:
- Contact your
utility or a registered septic tank contractor for clean
up.
- Minor spills requiring immediate attention may be disinfected
with regular garden lime from a garden shop. Follow the
lime container’s label instructions for personal protective
equipment needed.
- Sprinkle the lime onto the spill so
the spill is dusted mostly white on the surface. If the
residue is thicker in some places use a rake to mix the
lime and the residue.
- After a day, rake up the thicker
residue and place it in a trash bag for disposal with the
other trash. Use a sprinkler or hose to water the lime and
residue into the soil.
- Let the area dry in the sun a day
before allowing access. If there is still white lime dust
visible on the yard, water it in until the white dust is
gone.
Follow proper hygiene procedures to prevent illness:
- Keep hands and fingers away from the nose, mouth, eyes
and ears.
- Wash hands with soap and water immediately after cleanup
efforts as well as before eating or drinking.
- Keep fingernails short and clean. Use a stiff brush to
remove dirt and foreign materials.
- Do not store fresh work clothes with used work clothes.
- Shower after each work day.
For further information, please contact your local county
health department or visit
www.doh.state.fl.us or
www.FloridaDisaster.org.
The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557. Public
Information Emergency Support Function: 850-921-0384.
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2012 State of Florida