Outaouais Public Health: Flood safety recommdations

Outaouais Public Health: Flood safety recommdations

The santé publique (public health) division of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux (CISSS) de l’Outaouais released a ‘precautionary measures’ guideline to residents who may be dealing with flooding in the region.

In brief:

1. Check to see if the tap water is drinkable. If you own a well, consider the water to be undrinkable and treat it accordingly.
2. Avoid exposure to flood water. If you have to travel on flooded lands, be sure to protect yourself well.
3. Turn off power to your septic system and avoid using it to prevent a repulse.
4. Do not use combustion appliances indoors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure you have a functional, battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.
5. Avoid electrocution by turning off power to your home and keep your feet dry. Consult Hydro-Québec if you are flooded.
6. After six hours or more without power, ensure the quality of your food and medications.
7. Evacuate your home if you are in danger or if the authorities ask you to.

 

Check that the water is drinkable:

If your water comes from a municipal or city water network:

• Consider the water to be drinkable, unless advised otherwise by municipal authorities. If you have doubts about the water’s color, smell or taste, contact your municipality before consuming it.

 

If your water comes from an individual well:

• Consider the water as non-drinkable, that is to say unsuitable for consumption. Even if it appears clear and odorless, until you know for sure, bring it to a rolling boil for one minute before consuming it. You can also use bottled water.
• If you suspect a chemical contamination, refrain from consuming the water. In addition, it is not advisable to boil water when it has been exposed to chemical contamination, especially by hydrocarbons. In that case, consume only bottled water.

 

 

Here are tips and best-practices to avoid health problems related to dirty water:

• Flood-soiled water may contain bacteria, viruses, chemical residues, even if the water looks normal.
• It is recommended that children not be allowed to play in dirty water or on land that has been flooded until the soil is dry. Close supervision is recommended for young children, as they tend to carry items their mouth.
• If you have to travel on flooded land:

 

o Wear rubber boots and appropriate clothing.

o Cover your wounds with waterproof and sterile bandages.

o Keep your feet dry.

o Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, to avoid the risk of gastroenteritis.

• Throw away any food or medicine that has been in contact with flood water.

 

Septic systems:

Turn off power to your septic system. Avoid using your septic system to prevent a backflow of wastewater into your residence. If you have an NQ 3680-910 certified treatment system, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations or a professional performing maintenance. Do not empty your septic tank or holding tank during the flood, as this may damage them. Never travel on your septic field with a vehicle.

 

Carbon monoxide

• Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen or smelled. It is released when appliances and vehicles burn fuel such as wood, propane, fuel oil or gasoline. Breathing this gas can be very dangerous to your health and even lead to death.
• Make sure you have a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector.
• If you use a generator during a power outage or to run your pumps, install it outside your house or garage, as far as possible from doors, windows and at least 7 meters from your home.
• Avoid indoor use of gas-powered appliances designed for outdoor use such as a gas pump, space heater, barbecue, or lamp.
• Precautions if you must use a vehicle:

o Do not run your vehicle engine in a poorly ventilated area to avoid exposure to carbon monoxide.

• If you have symptoms of poisoning (e.g. headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting) or the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave the premises immediately and go outside:

o Call 911.

o Leave the doors open when leaving the premises in order to ventilate the area completely.

o Wait for permission from a firefighter to return inside, even for a few minutes.

 

To avoid electrocution:

Before water starts to accumulate in your home, turn off the power *with dry feet*.

If there is already water in your home, consult Hydro-Québec (1 800 790-2424). Before switching the power back on, have an electrician verify your home.

 

Ensuring food quality:

After a power outage lasting more than six hours, check the quality of your food before consuming it. Sort the food in your fridge and freezer. Also do not consume medicines that must be kept cool. If unable to keep medicine cool, return it to the pharmacy.

 

Evacuating your house:

If you are in danger or if the authorities ask you to leave your house. If you don’t know where to go, contact your municipality.

Before leaving, here are a few essential items to take with you, considering extra supplies for the members of your family :

• Medicines;
• Articles for hygiene;
• Change of clothes;
• Blankets;
• Money;
• Identity documents;
• Car and house keys;
• Baby milk, bottles and nappies;
• Electronic devices and accessories used to connect them;
• Items necessary for the well-being of people with special needs.

 

Make sure your pets are secure or take them with you to your temporary accommodation, if permitted. If you leave your home without taking your animals, let first responders know that they’re there with a note on your front door. Inform your loved ones and the municipality of where you plan to seek refuge. Keep in touch with your loved ones preferably using text messages, emails and social media. This will leave the telephone network free for emergency calls and emergency responders.

 

Look into the psychosocial help available:

Pay attention to your reactions and those of your loved ones after experiencing a disaster:

• Anxiety, distress or frequent crying;
• Lack of interest or energy;
• Aggressiveness;
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion;
• Increased alcohol or drug use.

Psychosocial intervention professionals are available to support you, advise you and direct you to resources adapted to your needs or those of your loved ones. Contact Info-Social by dialing: 811 and choose option 2 to speak to one of these professionals. This service is free and confidential, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.