Turn around, don’t drown
After a heavy storm, do not walk or drive through flooded streets. The water can be deeper than you think! Most flooding deaths occur in vehicles that have driven into deep water. Even in shallow flooding, floodwaters can carry dangerous materials that you must avoid wading through.
Homes Prone to Flooding
Notify NYC also has a basement apartment group that will alert you if basement flooding is possible or expected. Visit NYC.gov/Notify to sign up, download the free app or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
If you live in a basement apartment, be ready to move to higher ground within minutes. Have a Go Bag ready with essential items in case you need to leave in a hurry.
Mold in Water-damaged Buildings
In the event that you have to clean and repair your storm-damaged homes and buildings, health officials recommend that you take precautionary measures to avoid indoor air quality problems. Moisture that enters buildings from leaks or flooding accelerates mold growth. Mold can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues and continue to damage materials long after the storm. Failure to control moisture and mold can present short and long-term health risks.
To protect against health risks associated with mold, remove standing water from your home or office and remove wet materials. If mold growth has already occurred, always use personal protective equipment when cleaning or removing it. Individuals with known mold allergies or asthma should not clean or remove moldy materials and should avoid being in a space where mold is present.
Boiling Water
In the event of flooding and hurricane damage, health officials may advise individuals who are under a boil water notice to take precautions against contaminated water. Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Freezing will not disinfect water.
Though the risk of illness is minimal, individuals who have recent surgical wounds, are immunocompromised or have a chronic illness may want to consider using bottled or boiled water for cleansing until any such advisory is lifted. Anyone experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, with or without fever, after drinking or coming into contact with affected water should seek immediate medical attention.
For more information on boil water notices and detailed instructions on how to safely boil your water, visit the New York State Department of Health’s website.
Food Safety
In the case of an electrical outage, it is important to take careful precautions to ensure food safety. The risk of food poisoning is heightened when refrigerators are inaccessible. Discard any food that has been at room temperature for two hours or more, and any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture. Just remember: When in doubt, throw it out! People can practice safe food handling and prevent foodborne illness by following some simple steps:
- A full cooler will maintain its cold temperatures longer than one that is partially filled, so it is important to pack plenty of extra ice or freezer packs to ensure a constant cold temperature.
- Thawed food can usually be eaten if it is still “refrigerator cold,” or re-frozen if it still contains ice crystals.
- For additional food safety information, call the toll-free USDA/FSIS Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death. If you suspect there is a carbon monoxide leak, go outside immediately and do not start an open flame anywhere in your home.
You can avoid CO exposure by taking precautions with gas-powered appliances and charcoal or gas grills.
The following precautions are also recommended to help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.
- Do not use gas-powered generators or machines.
- If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside.
In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 911 or the Poison Information Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Prevent Mosquito-borne Illnesses
When dealing with floodwaters, protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases. If possible, avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood and wear clothing that covers all skin. If you will be exposed to mosquitoes, repellents containing up to 30 percent DEET are recommended. It is not recommended to use DEET-based products on children younger than 2 months old.
Check your home to rid it of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Additionally, make sure that windows remain closed or are sealed completely by screens at night. One of the keys to prevention is the elimination of mosquito breeding sites, which includes cleaning out eaves and gutters, turning over or removing empty plastic pots, picking up all beverage containers and cups and removing vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
Cleaning After a Storm
After a hurricane, basic hygiene is very important. Always wash your hands with soap and clean water, especially after participating in cleanup activities and after handling articles contaminated by floodwater.
To disinfect materials that have been exposed to floodwater, use one-quarter cup of bleach in one gallon of water.
If you have open cuts or sores exposed to floodwaters, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and clean water. Apply antibiotic ointment to reduce the risk of infection. If a wound or sore develops redness, swelling or drainage, see a doctor.