Like the flooding itself, the number of potential health issues during cleanup … and advice for safety — are vast and different.
No one set of guidelines fit each Coloradan’s circumstances.
READ MORE: Cars Spun Out & Abandoned As Winter Storm Grips Denver Metro AreaSo here are some general things to consider, plus I’ve included some links below that may help fit your situation to a “T.” After each paragraph, remember to check the links for detail.
Major concerns include what has been hit by flood waters and/or mud. In this case you need to assume everything is contaminated. That means floors, countertops, furniture, basically everything inside of a structure may have been contaminated by germs.
How about outside? Same goes here. Lawn furniture, playsets, sheds … all need cleaning.
Back inside — mold. Odds are it’s already started to grow. It won’t be bad early on, but open windows and masks may still be a good idea at this point — and a must later.
Food. If you lost your power for 2 hours or more, consider all refrigerated items dead. As for pantry foods, only canned goods may be salvageable, but much be cleaned correctly. (see below)
Clothes you wear while cleaning — thorough washing and don’t re-wear if possible.
Your garden — in most cases — inedible and un-trustable.
Other major points:
Make sure you’ve had a tetanus shot within the past 5-10 years.
READ MORE: Businesses Near Convention Center Eager For Events: 'It's Our Livelihood'Wear gloves. Long pants and shirts. Firm shoes.
Clean even minor wounds well. Clean even un-injured skin well.
Most cleanup injuries and diseases:
Cuts. Slip and falls. Diarrhea. Dehydration. Carbon monoxide poisoning. The list is really longer — you just can’t let your guard down now that the sun is peaking through.
It’s been a tough time but we will make it by helping each other out. We always do. That’s Colorado.
Here are the links for more info:
www.colorado.gov/…/1251645971558
www.floodsafety.com/…/Cleanup_after_flood.pdf
Colorado Floods: How To Help
MORE NEWS: Union Organizing JBS Mass Vaccination Event: 'It's About Time They Are Prioritized'The recent floods are impacting families and communities throughout Colorado, so CBS4 has compiled a list of ways you can support the local communities impacted by the floods.
