Suggested Actions After a Flood

As flooding continues in south-western Nova Scotia, the provincial Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) is advising people to take certain precautions in their homes.

"After a flood, safety is our top priority," said Ernest Fage, Minister responsible for the Emergency Measures Act. "We urge Nova Scotians affected by this flood to take the necessary precautions to protect their health and property."

If you are currently experiencing flooding in your home and it is safe to do so:

• Turn the basement furnace off and shut off outside gas valves.
• Turn off electrical power. If your main power box is not in a dry, safe location, do not attempt to turn it off. Contact Nova Scotia Power at 428-6004 or 1-877-428-6004.
• Do not stand or wade in water where contact has been made with electrical equipment.
• Do not use well water for drinking, cooking, or bathing until the water has been tested and determined to be safe. Residents who have questions about their water should contact their local environment office by calling 1-877-9ENVIRO.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when returning home after a flood:

Home Safety:

• Do not attempt to reconnect gas or electrical services. Qualified trades persons must inspect and connect those services.
• If you smell gas, leave your home at once and call the gas company immediately.
• All electrical items that have been affected by water should be checked by a certified electrician or, in some instances, an appliance service technician before being used.
• Many items will continue to work after being dried out but may fail later, causing fire or electrical shock.
• In many instances items such as electric water heaters and electric baseboard heaters should be completely replaced.
• Items such as furnaces, clothes dryers and washers may only require replacement of some parts.
• Panel boards that have been submerged should be replaced, while those that have had water run over them may be reused if a certified electrician inspects and approves them.
• Smoke alarms subject to water damage should be replaced and in many instances ceiling light fixtures, ceiling fans, receptacles, light switches and associated wiring may also have to be replaced.
• Remember only certified electricians can perform electrical work in Nova Scotia.
• All insulated appliances (ovens, refrigerators, freezers, microwaves and dishwashers) must have wet insulation replaced by service persons.
• Allow small appliances (kettles, food processors, toasters) to dry out completely. Thoroughly clean and disinfect.

Personal Safety:

• Do not use well water for drinking, cooking, or bathing until the water has been tested and determined to be safe. Residents who have questions about their water should contact their local environment office by calling 1-877-9ENVIRO.
• Avoid direct skin contact with contaminated material.
• Ensure that all contaminated dishes and utensils have been thoroughly washed and disinfected either by using boiling water or by using a sterilizing solution of one part chlorine bleach to four parts of water.
• Ensure that every flood-contaminated room has been thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and surface-dried.
• To avoid the health hazards of mildew and bacterial mould, water-soaked possessions, furniture, walls and insulation should be removed, and the space and studding allowed to dry thoroughly.
• Wash hands and change outer clothing before entering a "clean" residence.

Items that must be discarded if they come in contact with flood waters:

• mattresses, pillows, sofas and upholstered pieces;
• contents of fridge and freezer;
• all perishable goods, vacuum-packed foods;
• all meat, fresh fruits and vegetables;
• all food in boxes and jars;
• all medicines, cosmetics and other toiletry items;
• all bottled drinks; and
• all cans, if the seal is damaged or contents show signs of seepage. (Commercially canned food, properly identified by labels, containers which show no leaks, swelling or rusting at joints or edges should be thoroughly washed and dried.)

For more information on emergency preparedness see the EMO website at www.gov.ns.ca/emo .