OEM issues safety pointers for flooded areas

MALHEUR/HARNEY COUNTIES — Malheur and Harney Counties are currently under the state of emergency declared by the Governor’s office earlier this week, due to flooding and a risk to human lives and safety. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management has recently issued precautionary information regarding hazards and dangers that follow when floodwaters recede.

Find the OEM release below:

(From the Oregon Department of Emergency Management)

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭:

Floods are stressful and dangerous — and the risks don’t end when the water recedes. As you begin recovery, take steps to protect your health and safety:

𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫: Floodwaters may contain sewage, chemicals, and debris. Avoid direct contact and always wash hands thoroughly after cleanup.

𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬: Anything that came in contact with floodwater should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent illness.

𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫: If in doubt, throw it out — never consume food or water that may have been exposed to floodwater.

𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐝: Dry out your space quickly to reduce mold growth, which can cause serious health issues.

𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐩: Gloves, boots, and masks can help protect you from hazardous materials.

Document damage for insurance and assistance.

Preparing for recovery before a flood happens can make a big difference. Think ahead about how you’ll access repairs, supplies, and support.

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