Cleaning up after a flood

Local health department authorities offer the following tips on keeping you and your family safe, as well as how to clean up your home:

•Never eat anything that's touched floodwaters. Canned food items should be dipped in a mixture of two tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water for at least five minutes.

•For nonporous children's toys, use the treatment above, but only use one tablespoon of bleach and air dry (don't rinse) after soaking.

•Keep out of the floodwaters. If you were exposed, get a tetanus shot if you haven't had one in five to 10 years. If you can't remember your last tetanus shot, get one soon.

•Before going into a flooded house or basement, make sure there are no electrical hazards or other problems, such as leaking gas.

•Use household cleaner to first scrub flooded areas, then flush with clean water. Follow by washing the area with a solution of ¼-cup of bleach per gallon of water. Clean walls, fixtures, furniture and appliances with soap and clean water. Machine wash cloth items.

•If you have a private well, check its condition. Don't drink the water until it's tested.

•If your carpet gets soaked, call a professional.

Source: Lake County Health Department