CLEANING UP YOUR HOME

Basements hit by floodwaters require disinfecting and cleaning. Don't remove water from the basement too quickly or the pressure from the saturated soil surrounding the basement may cause the walls to collapse. To help air out the basement, open windows and doors. Window exhaust fans can be helpful, but take care in selecting a place to put the fan to avoid risk of electrical shock.

Before beginning a flood clean-up, check to see if your tetanus booster shot is current. Tetanus shots are available at local health departments and many physician offices.

Please call in advance to check availability of shots.

Sumner County Health Department
217 W. 8th
Wellington, KS (620)326-2774

Since househould bleaches contain different percentages of chlorine, the following dilutions should be used:

• 2-percent chlorine: add 4 tablespoons per gallon water
• 4-percent chlorine: add 2 tablespoons per gallon water
• 6-percent chlorine: add 1 tablespoon per gallon water

Efficient and careful cleaning after a flood helps to curb sanitation problems resulting from the contaminants carried in floodwaters. These contaminants include silt, oils, chemicals, and raw sewage. Rodents and insects often find a haven in the mess left from the floodwaters.

For more information visit the KDHE website at www.kdheks.com

This information was provided by KDHE.