Post-flood advice: Clean everything, or throw it out

Flood waters in some areas are beginning to recede, but officials warn that health problems can follow if deluged residents don't take proper precautions.

Contaminated well water and sewage contamination are among the chief concerns. But just being in the flood can be a hazard, too.

"If possible, avoid flood water because it will be contaminated ... Wash your hands and all over after contact," said Randy Darst, assistant director of environmental health for the Snohomish Health District.

Safety tips


For information on steps to take after flood waters recede:

Snohomish Health District: www.snohd.org or 425-339-5250.

Public Health — Seattle & King County: www.metrokc.gov//health/disaster/index.htm or 206-296-4932 for drinking water and septic systems; 206-296-4600 for food safety

Shelter from the storm


Residents of homes left uninhabitable by flood waters can receive shelter, food and clothing at these locations. All are operated by the American Red Cross except the Duvall shelter, run by the City of Duvall and King County Parks Department.

King County

• Issaquah Community Center, 301 Rainier Blvd. S., Issaquah

• Saint James Episcopal Church, 24447 94th Ave. S., Kent

• Cedarcrest High School, 29000 N.E. 150th, Duvall

Snohomish County

• First Congregational Church, 301 S. Lewis St., Monroe

• Granite Falls Middle School, 205 N. Alder Ave., Granite Falls

• Stanwood High School Gymnasium, 7400 272nd St. N.W., Stanwood

• Trinity Episcopal Church, 2301 Hoyt Ave., Everett

• Clearview Community Center, 17826 Highway 9, Clearview

Pierce County

• Microchip Technology, 4111 39th Ave. S.E., Puyallup

• Old Dieringer School, 2008 East Valley Highway, Sumner

Skagit County

• Hamilton Baptist Church, 797 Cemetery Road, Hamilton

• Sedro-Woolley High School, 1235 Third St., Sedro-Woolley

Lewis County

• Mossyrock High School, 545 Williams St., Mossyrock

Darst, King County and state health officials offered a wide range of tips for keeping the germs at bay, post-flood:

Drinking water

Don't drink from private water systems until water is boiled or treated. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Or add unscented household bleach — 10 drops per gallon or one teaspoon for 10 gallons. Store clean water in plastic containers with tight, screw-on caps.

Food

Destroy food, medicines and cosmetics in any containers that could have allowed flood water to seep in. Rinse cans in diluted bleach water. If refrigeration has been off more than four hours, many foods may be unsafe. Contact health officials if in doubt. Or throw it out.

Sewage and garbage

Pump out septic tanks if needed. Replace drain fields only if badly damaged or eroded. If garbage service is not available, take garbage to a county drop box or transfer station.

Household items

Scrub hard-surfaced items — wood, metal and glass — with soap and water. Mattresses and stuffed furniture can't be adequately cleaned and should be discarded. Launder or dry-clean clothing, bedding and other soft items. Dry in sunlight, if possible. Wall-to-wall carpeting and padding usually can't be cleaned quickly enough to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Cleaning buildings

Flush with water, if possible. Use hot water and soap to scrub floors, walls and other surfaces people are likely to touch. Then wipe with a disinfectant solution of one ounce of household bleach to four gallons of water. Open windows and doors and allow everything inside to dry thoroughly. Do not occupy until 10 hours after drying is complete.

Warren King: 206-464-2247 or wking@seattletimes.com