AFTER THE FLOOD Safety and cleaning tips

The Ohio Emergency Management Agency lists the following actions that flood victims can take to make cleanup easier and safer:
Ensure that the county emergency management agency has a report of damage to your home and property that happened during last week's storms.
While cleaning out your home, be careful because floors and stairs may be covered with debris and be slippery.
Use insect repellent that contains DEET. Mud and flood waters are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Drain the basement or lower level of your home slowly. Groundwater creates hydrostatic pressure on basement walls and floors. Drain the basement no more than 1 foot per day to minimize further structural damage.
Hose the house. Many health hazards are found in mud and silt that flood waters leave behind. Shovel as much mud out as possible, then hose the house down.
Clean and disinfect your home by using a nonammonia soap and hot water or a commercial cleaner. Thoroughly scrub all contaminated surfaces. Clean all moldy areas. Rinse all objects with clean water.
Be aware of health hazards. Flood waters pick up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms and storage buildings. Many flooded items such as wallboards and mattresses will hold mud and contamination indefinitely. Throw away spoiled food and food containers that have bubbled lids. Waterlogged cosmetics and medicines are also health hazards.
If you have started to replace furniture and appliances or started repairs to your home, keep all papers and receipts.
Source: Ohio EMA