“The effects of the clean-up can be just as dangerous as the floods themselves and we are appealing to the communities impacted by the floods to take all precautions and listen to advice of the emergency service agencies,” the Assistant Commissioner said
Along with the State Emergency Service, a range of emergency service organ-isations have been assisting in the flood operation and will continue their efforts in the clean-up period.
Health advice for flood clean-up:
NSW Health advises that floodwaters can be contaminated with sewage and may carry a range of viruses, bacteria and parasites. Experience from past floods shows that the greatest risk of infection is bacteria picked up through cuts and abrasions.
The most effective way of preventing infection is:
* Thorough hand washing after contact with flood contaminated materials;
* wearing gloves;
*avoiding contact between cuts or abrasions and floodwater or contaminated materials.
People should contact their GP if they are concerned about their health. As a precaution, people should treat all floodwater as potentially contaminated with sewage.
Keep children away from flood affected areas and avoid all unnecessary contact with mud and floodwaters.
Ensure feet are covered if they are likely to come into contact with mud and always wear gloves when handling flood-affected items or mud.
Children’s toys affected by floodwater should be discarded if they are soft toys or moulded plastic toys with air injection holes. Solid toys should be disinfected before allowing children to play with them.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water, or with an alcohol gel:
* after handling flood-affected items;
* when participating in flood clean-up activities;
* immediately after going to the toilet; and
* always before handling or eating food.
Household fire safety for flood recovery:
Members of the public in flood-affected areas need to take care around their houses, properties and businesses when they start the clean-up process. Key issues residents should observe are:
* If you have lost household power and are using candles or portable light or heating sources, never leave them unattended and ensure they are kept well away from all flammable material.
* Always extinguish candles or any other open flame before going to bed.
* If you have lost household power, turn off all appliances at the power points, as they may be affected by a power surge when the power resumes.
* Any electrical appliances which may have been in contact with water must be inspected by a qualified electrician before use to ensure they can be operated safely.
* If drying clothing, keep wet clothing at least one metre from heaters or fireplaces and never leave them unattended. If you use a clothes dryer, make sure you clean the lint filter each and every time you use it.
* If you have a garage or shed, remember to take extra care with any stored chemicals and fuels. Handle with extreme caution and use the recommended protective equipment: gloves, safety goggles, etc.
* If you are concerned about stored chemicals, contact your local Fire Station for advice.
* Watch out for snakes and spiders – they may take shelter to escape floodwaters.
In the event of fire, leave the house and call 000 (triple zero) and ask for Fire.
Further information including personal and household safety tips and health factsheets are available on the www.emergency.health.nsw.gov.au website.
Members of the public can also visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au for a range of flood-related information.
For all other emergencies, the public are advised to contact Triple Zero.
