Aug 10, 2016 - ~~Important flood water safety tips and helpful information on septic and well systems ~~ ... Pasco Emerg
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Updated: August 10, 2016
Office of Emergency Management Pasco Emergency Operations Center Public Information Office 8744 Government Drive, Building A Phone: 727.847.2411
[email protected]
Flood Safety Tips
~~Important flood water safety tips and helpful information on septic and well systems ~~ Flood Water Safety
Road closures are constantly changing. Residents are advised not to drive into flooded streets as vehicles could become damaged or stranded. Please do not drive fast through flooded streets. This causes a wake that could push the water into homes and/or businesses, causing additional damage.
People coming into contact with floodwaters should thoroughly rinse any exposed body parts with soap and sanitized or disinfected water.
Children playing in contaminated standing water can become sick or be bitten by snakes or floating insects. Avoid contact with flood waters as much as possible.
Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with floodwaters. Discard any food without a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with floodwaters.
Undamaged, commercially canned foods can be saved if you remove the labels, wash the cans thoroughly, and then disinfect them with a solution consisting of 1/4 cup of unscented household bleach per gallon of water for clean surfaces. Re-label your cans, including the expiration date, with a marker. 1 of 3
“Pasco County—Florida's Premier County”
2-2-2 FLOOD SAFETY TIPS
Food containers with screw-caps, snap lids, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come in contact with floodwaters because they cannot be effectively disinfected.
Water Supply Safety
If your water is supplied by a well and you are in a flooded area, your water may contain disease-causing bacteria and may not be safe to drink. The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County recommends one of the following: o Bring water to a full rolling boil for at least one-minute and allow to cool to room temperature before using it for drinking, mixing baby formula, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, or washing dishes. o Disinfect water by adding eight drops (about 1/8 teaspoon) of unscented household bleach per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure one time. If the water remains cloudy do not use. Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking. This will prevent contamination. o Use commercially bottled water. o After the flooding subsides:
Have your water tested through the Pasco County Environmental Lab or by a laboratory certified by the State to perform a drinking water analysis.
Water Testing Process: o For areas where wells have been impacted by flooding, Pasco County will be providing water testing for a small fee ($7.00) through Pasco County Environmental Lab at 727.847.8902. Water will be tested for bacteriological contamination only (total coliform P/A). Residents can go to the lab, show ID and will be given a sample bottle and paperwork needed.
2 of 3 “Pasco County—Florida's Premier County”
3-3-3 FLOOD SAFETY TIPS
Pasco County Environmental Lab 8864 Government Dr. New Port Richey, Fl. 34654 (727) 847-8902 Hours: M-F 8:00a-5:00p
View these additional flood water safety tips from the Florida Department of Health: http://www.pascocountyfl.net/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/2913 Septic Systems If you are on a septic system, and your plumbing is functioning slowly or sluggishly, you should:
Conserve water as much as possible; the less water used the less sewage the septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine. Consider utilizing a laundromat. Rental of a portable toilet for a temporary period may be another option.
Do not have the septic tank pumped out. Exceptionally high water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the problem is high ground water because of the rains and flooding, pumping the tank will not solve the problem.
If you cannot use your plumbing without creating a sanitary nuisance, such as discharging sewage on the ground, consider moving temporarily to a new location until conditions improve.
Do not have the septic tank and drainfield repaired until the ground has had an opportunity to dry. Often systems are completely functional when unsaturated conditions return. Any repair must be permitted and inspected by your county health department.
To report flooding, please call the Pasco County Customer Service at (727) 847-2411 line Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
3 of 3 “Pasco County—Florida's Premier County”
