Following recent flooding, it’s essential that Carrboro residents have access to the necessary resources to respond and recover efficiently and effectively. Flooding causes property damage as well as health risks that worsen without proper and timely care.
Orange County recommended that individuals have on protective clothing in floodwater, which can be electrically charged or contaminated after the flood.
Properties that have been flooded can be contaminated with sewage and mold, which can result in infectious diseases and chemical hazards for the public community, according to the CDC.
Mold and mildew start growing within a day or two after flooding. The mold will continue to grow until action is taken to stop it, according to FEMA’s brochure, Dealing With Mold and Mildew In Your Flood Damaged Home.
This means acting quickly by cleaning and decontaminating spaces can reduce further property damage, which can be costly. Growing mold can also cause health risks for residents.
While anyone can be affected by this contamination, those with respiratory issues and elderly individuals are more at risk, according to FEMA’s brochure. Those with asthma should take precautions when entering spaces with mold growth, said Orange County.
Some other health implications that can arise from contaminated floodwater include rashes, tetanus, and infections in wounds, according to the CDC.
Water can be hidden within furniture, flooring, etc., of a household, said FEMA’s brochure. Damaged property can continue to deteriorate if not taken care of quickly.
It’s important to note that individual items in the household can be contaminated as well. According to NC State Extension’s brochure that discusses kitchen clean-up after flooding, items such as cooking equipment, food, and utensils can be contaminated after flooding and may require sanitizing in addition to cleaning.
NC State said the same for fabrics, bedding, and furniture in the household. This is why it’s important to clean and sanitize thoroughly and promptly.
It's important to be cautious of spaces that were contaminated by floodwater and to act accordingly. Be mindful of possible health risks after a flood.
And to help prevent water entering your home, the Town of Carrboro recommends clearing gutters and drains at your household to help maintain the flow of drainage.
Resources:
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency)
https://www.fema.gov/flood-maps
FEMA’s brochure, Dealing With Mold and Mildew In Your Flood Damaged Home.
CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
https://www.cdc.gov/floods/about/index.html
Town of Carrboro
https://www.townofcarrboro.org/2473/What-Can-I-Do-to-Decrease-Flooding-and-D
Orange County
https://www.orangecountync.gov/3427/Floods
NC State Extension
https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Kitchen-Clean-Up-After-Flood_FINAL.pdf?fwd=no
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/catalog/author/14255/sarah-kirby
