Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Message Diagram: Providing the public information about dealing with sewage in their home IMPORTANT: This information must be coordinated through the Public Information Officer (PIO). Main Message: The County Health Department is concerned about your health and the spread of disease. Keeping pets, children, and others out of areas contaminated with sewage will help prevent the spread of disease. Keep everyone, especially children and pets, out of all wet areas in your home. After the sewage is no longer backing up, thoroughly clean all areas, including but not limited to carpets, sheetrock, drywall, and baseboards. If your entire home has sewage in it, you may need to leave until all areas have been cleaned. 2. If You Have a Septic Tank: Do not pump your tank pre-storm or post-storm until groundwater has returned to normal. Limit the use of water in your home as much as possible. The dosing tank, which is used for adding chemicals or other substances, will not operate without electricity. Flood-prone areas and areas filled with water will not allow the septic tank to operate properly until the drain field dries out. Avoid contact with any septic system electrical devices until they are dry, clean, and repaired by a licensed technician. 3. What Can You Do to Prevent Illness or Injury? Avoid contact with any septic system electrical devices until they are dry, clean, and repaired by a licensed technician. If you encounter sewage, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Wash clothes that encounter sewage in hot water with sanitizing detergent and dry them on high heat. Discard any clothing that is heavily soiled. If you become ill with symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, see your doctor. 4. If You Have City or Municipal Sewage: Contact your utility company to let them know you are having problems. If you do not know who your utility company is, contact the citizen’s information line at (XXX) XXX-XXXX. 1. What Should You Do if There Is Sewage in Your Home? Limit access to the area.
Resources Emergency Repair Form Guidance for Septic and Onsite Wastewater Systems NEHA Wastewater Resources Suggested Questions for Water/Wastewater Utilities Damage Assessment Form Photolog Wastewater System Status Report
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