flood
Flood Preparedness and Response STRATEGIES FOR FAMILIES BE PREPARED Floods are an inevitable and natural part of life in Wisconsin, especially for those who live along streams and rivers. Counties that border the Mississippi and the Wisconsin rivers are the most flood prone, but serious floods have occurred throughout the state. It is important to be prepared and know what to do before disaster strikes. ♦ Find out if you live in a flood prone area.
AFTER A FLOOD DURING A FLOOD Don't return home until authorities have indicated it is safe. When entering buildings, use extreme caution. Potential hazards include: ♦ Listen to the radio for further information. ♦ Fill bathtubs, sinks and jugs with clean water in case water becomes contaminated. ♦ Gas leaks. Leave your home immediately and call the gas company if you smell the putrid odor of leaking gas.
Preparing to Evacuate Your Farm SAFETY MEASURES WHEN FLOODING IS EXPECTED LONG-RANGE PREPARATION If you live in an area prone to flooding or if flooding has been anticipated for some time, have an emergency plan for evacuation. It should include such considerations as family safety, equipment safety, livestock relocation and temporary milking facilities. When flooding is hours or minutes away, keep your priorities straight. Ensure family safety first.
Pesticide Storage Concerns During a Flood PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE PREVENTION Safe pesticide storage is of critical importance in both everyday and disaster situations. Not only can improperly stored pesticides pose significant hazards to humans, but they can do great harm to the environment, including surface water and groundwater contamination. Combined with floodwaters, pesticides can create a widespread health problem by threatening drinking supplies.
WATCH FOR PESTICIDE POISONING Be aware of any illness arising after handling pesticides or pesticide wastes. Acute symptoms of poisoning frequently include headache, nausea, diarrhea, visual disturbances, excessive salivation or sweating, difficulty in breathing, weakness, tremors or convulsions. Acute symptoms usually appear immediately or within a few hours after exposure. See a doctor immediately or contact your local poison control center if symptoms appear.
Building Dikes to Prevent Flooding HOW TO FILL AND POSITION SANDBAGS SITE SELECTION Standing water from melting snow or heavy rains can flood basements and damage yards, wells, feed supplies, machinery and other property. Flooding is more apt to occur in areas with poor surface drainage, malfunctioning drainage systems or ice dams. Select the site for the dike, making the best use of natural land features to keep it as short and low as possible.
♦ Lay the plastic sheeting down very loosely. The pressure of the water will then make the plastic conform easily with the sandbag surface. If the plastic is stretched too tightly, the water force could puncture it. ♦ Place a row of tightly fitting sandbags on the bottom edge of the plastic to form a watertight seal along the water side. ♦ Place sandbags at about 6 foot intervals to hold down the top edge of the plastic.
Protecting Livestock During a Flood GUIDELINES FOR SAFE SHELTER AND EVACUATION KEEPING LIVESTOCK HIGH AND DRY Unconfined livestock can usually take care of themselves during floods. Do not let them become trapped in low-lying pens. A number of safety precautions, as outlined at right, can be taken for animals housed in barns during a flood. Above all, be sure animals are evacuated before floodwaters enter barns and other enclosed livestock areas.
Standby Electric Generators A SOURCE OF EMERGENCY POWER FOR FARMERS TYPES OF GENERATORS An emergency source of power is important for any farm with mechanically ventilated production facilities, bulk milk handling equipment, mechanical feeding equipment or facilities requiring constant and continuous heat (such as brooders). On such a farm, a standby electric generator is a good investment, possibly preventing costly losses during a power failure.
LOCATION AND SAFETY FEATURES ♦ Large engine generators should be located in a building, preferably a heated building. ♦ Inlet and outlet air ducts must be large enough to carry off excess heat. They should be open at least a half a square foot for each 1,000 watts of generator capacity. ♦ Combustion fumes must be carried outdoors safely. Exhaust pipes must be at least 6 inches from combustible material.
Avoiding Groundwater Damage to Homes REMEDIES FOR HOMEOWNERS CONSIDER YOUR RESOURCES Groundwater flooding can cause many problems for homeowners. Structural damage, sewer system back-ups and damaged appliances are three of the most distressing consequences. Fortunately, there are some remedies. They vary in scope, expense and results, just as homeowners vary in their expectations and resources. Sound advice should be your first priority when groundwater flooding is a problem.
a) Raising or blocking up appliances, furniture and other items that may be damaged by direct contact with the water for an extended time; b) Installing a false floor over the basement slab. This allows water to drain under the false floor to a drain or sump. c) Installing a surface drainage system around the perimeter of the basement floor. This method channels water from the walls to a drain or sump for removal. ♦ Relieving water pressure against walls and the floor.
Cleaning and Repairing Flooded Basements GETTING OUT WATER AND PREVENTING FUTURE PROBLEMS PUMPING Before you enter a flooded basement, take time to: 1) Turn off the electricity, preferably at the meter; For safety reasons, do not use an electric pump powered by your own electrical system. Instead, use a gas-powered pump or one connected to an outside line. Fire departments in some communities may help with pumping services. More damage may be done by pumping flooded basements too soon or too quickly.
♦ Buckled walls. Signs of buckling include horizontal cracking and areas that have moved out of vertical alignment. When this condition is minor, you need not repair the wall immediately. However, any noticeably buckled wall will eventually collapse from normal ground pressures and seasonal temperature changes. When buckling has seriously weakened the wall, the damaged parts should be rebuilt immediately. Pilasters (vertical reinforcements) may need to be constructed into walls over 15 feet long.
Home Clean-Up and Sanitation SAFELY CLEANING A FLOOD-DAMAGED HOME SET PRIORITIES AND KEEP SAFETY IN MIND Clean-up priorities will vary depending upon the kind and seriousness of damage to your home. But assuming major concerns such as structural safety, basement flooding, and electrical and water systems have been addressed, clean-up can begin inside. Start cleaning your furnishings as soon as possible.
♦ Wipe mildew-stained areas with a cloth dampened with a solution of 1 cup of chlorine bleach or rubbing or denatured alcohol to 1 gallon water. Pine-based or phenolic products also work well. PREVENTING MILDEW GROWTH ♦ Use an air conditioner, dehumidifier or heater, if available, to remove moisture. Use fans to circulate air and open all windows. ♦ Turn on electric lights in closets and leave doors open to dry the dampness and humidity. ♦ Spray with a fungicide or other mildew preventive product.
Electrical Systems and Appliances GENERAL CLEAN-UP AND WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE ELECTRICIAN ARRIVES ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND EQUIPMENT Restoring the electrical system and evaluating damage to appliances are high priorities after a flood. But before your electrical system is turned on, it should be thoroughly checked for short circuits by an electrician or other competent person. Ask your power supplier for advice and assistance.
♦ Refrigerators, freezers and ovens. These appliances may have foam insulation and sealed components that suffer little water damage. But since they hold food, they should be cleaned, disinfected and checked by a professional or replaced. If replacement is recommended, get the opinion in writing and discuss it with your insurance adjuster before money is spent for a new appliance. ♦ Heating appliances. Disconnect hot water heaters and remove all panels and any flood-soaked insulation.
Restoring Heating Systems After a Flood ASSESSING DAMAGE AND GENERAL CLEAN-UP OIL AND GAS SYSTEMS Any heating system exposed to flooding should be professionally inspected, cleaned and reconditioned before reuse. Floodwater may have damaged heating equipment and undermined chimneys. If chimney cracks or leaks go unrepaired, your family is at risk of fire or carbon-monoxide poisoning. In general, any flooded parts should be professionally inspected and cleaned before turning the system back on.
ELECTRIC SYSTEM Electric heating systems are part of electrical wiring system clean-up. Many local codes require that a licensed electrician do the work, or that a municipal inspector check the system before you turn the power back on. If power isn't shut off to a flooded furnace system, shut the main switch off at the meter or remove the fuse to the furnace. (When touching switches, stand on a dry board and use rubber gloves or a dry stick to pull handles.
Flood-Damaged Walls, Ceilings and Floors REMOVING MOISTURE, CLEANING AND REPAIRING GETTING THE MOISTURE OUT Be prepared to let flood-damaged walls, ceilings and floors dry for several weeks. If restoration work is completed before proper drying, mold and mildew will continue to grow. The result may be structural damage to your home, the need to repaint walls or replace new wall coverings, and discomfort or illness to family members who have allergies. Remove all water as soon as possible from your home.
REMOVING MILDEW To clean surfaces: To remove surface mildew on walls or ceilings, use a mildew surface cleaner (available at paint stores) or: scrub the mildew with household detergent, then scrub with a solution of one-quarter cup bleach to 1 quart water. Rinse well with clean water. Once fully dry, apply a coat of paint containing an anti-mildew agent. ♦ Thoroughly wash and disinfect walls, ceilings, exposed wall cavities and studs. ♦ Use a good disinfectant to prevent mildew build-up.
Drying and Repairing Walls REMEDIES FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES GUIDELINES FOR WALL COVERINGS AND INSULATION Walls must be dry from the inside out before restoration, repainting or recovering can begin. Even when walls feel dry to the touch, the material inside the wall may be wet. Drying the inside of the walls may take weeks or even months. The total drying time will depend partially on the amount of dry air that can circulate through the studding and different wall materials.
♦ Check for cracked or warped siding. If only a few boards are warped or cracked, replace them individually. CHECKING SHEATHING Sheathing is the material between studding and finish siding. Depending upon the type of sheathing, replacement may or may not be necessary. ♦ Wooden boards should dry slowly and some will warp. Re-nail warped areas after they dry. Replace those that are too badly warped to salvage. ♦ Sheathing board is usually absorbent and difficult to dry.
Assessing and Repairing Leaky Roofs SAFELY FIXING A WATERY PROBLEM TEMPORARY REPAIRS You may be anxious to stop a roof from leaking, but don't risk serious injury trying to inspect or repair it. First, try binoculars for a closer view. Next, check the attic for a drip trail. Leaks are rarely located directly above the water spot on the ceiling. When you find a leak in the attic, push a nail, straw or wire through it to help you or a repair person locate it outside.
Cleaning Flood-Soiled Clothing and Bedding WHAT TO SALVAGE AND HOW TO CLEAN IT CLOTHING Unfortunately, cleaning your flood-soiled clothing and bedding is not the same as doing the usual family wash. Items need to be sanitized as you wash them. And your washing machine may be flood-damaged, making machine washing out of the question until you can get to a laundromat or friend's house. Nevertheless, you can help prevent mildew damage to clothes and bedding by sorting and drying items as soon as possible.
MATTRESSES As a general rule, inexpensive mattresses are not worth the expense of professional sanitizing and reconditioning. They should be discarded. ♦ In some cases, a good inner spring mattress may be worth the cost of reconditioning. Get an estimate from commercial facilities. ♦ If the outside of the mattress is only slightly damp, brush off surface soil and wipe with a cloth wrung out of a solution of one cup denatured or rubbing alcohol and one cup water.
Cleaning Flood-Damaged Carpets and Rugs WHEN TO DISCARD, CLEAN OR CALL A PROFESSIONAL GENERAL RULES ® Wall-to-wall carpeting, most large area rugs and any rug with foam backing should be discarded if flooded with contaminated water. Except for valuable rugs, the time and expense of professional cleaning generally is not worth the effort or the health risk.
Flood-Damaged Furniture and Appliances DECIDING WHAT TO SALVAGE AND TIPS ON RECONDITIONING APPLIANCES Evaluating appliance damage is a high priority after a flood. Have a service person check flooded appliances before you attempt operation or invest a lot of time in clean-up. Before entering a home after a flood, be sure that the electricity to the dwelling has been completely shut off. (See the fact sheet, “Electrical Systems and Appliances.
♦ Pour a disinfectant (chlorine, pine oil or phenolic) into the empty washing machine. Then complete a 15-minute cycle at the “hot” water setting. ♦ Unplug the dryer and wipe the drum and door with a cloth dipped in disinfectant solution. Rinse with a cloth dipped in clear water. ♦ Leave the dryer door open until all parts are thoroughly dry — preferably overnight. FURNITURE Before starting to salvage damaged furniture, decide which pieces are worth restoring.
Caring for Important Papers STEPS TO TAKE BEFORE AND AFTER A FLOOD KEEP AN UP-To-DATE HOUSEHOLD INVENTORY Valuable papers and records should be given maximum protection from any disaster. Water- and fire-resistant file cabinets are available for storing some records at home. A commercial storage area, such as a safe-deposit box, will assure protection from theft and physical damage. An inventory of household items and other property is especially valuable in case of a disaster.
♦ Government savings bonds, religious records, retirement papers, copyrights and patents ♦ Household inventory, one copy of a list of valuable papers and their locations DRYING PAPERS AND BOOKS Dry papers and books slowly for best results. Photocopy valuable papers as a precautionary measure because flood-damage may cause rapid deterioration. If you don't have the time to clean and dry them immediately, consider putting them in the freezer to prevent mildewing.
Salvaging Food After a Flood SAFETY MEASURES IN THE KITCHEN AND GARDEN FLOODED ITEMS TO DISCARD Food that has come in contact with floodwaters is generally unsafe to eat. Floodwaters usually carry a high load of bacteria and filth with them, and may contain oil or chemical wastes as well. With the exception of canned foods and some produce, most food touched by floodwaters should be discarded. ♦ Fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish and eggs. ♦ Opened containers and packages.
PREVENTION IS THE KEY If it's not too late, prevent floodwater from coming into contact with food by: ♦ Raising refrigerators and freezers by placing cement blocks under their corners. ♦ If the floodwater contained waste from septic tanks, sewage lagoons or a pasture, your garden will take about a month to become clean. Don't eat or preserve food during this time. ♦ Ask if your local health department will test the garden soil for harmful bacteria.
Disinfecting Dishes, Cookware and Utensils SAFETY GUIDELINES AFTER A DISASTER DISASSEMBLE, WASH AND DISINFECT During a disaster such as a flood, tornado or fire, kitchen items easily can become contaminated. Floodwaters may contain silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical wastes, while fires may leave residues from toxic fumes or fire-fighting chemicals. Before using any item that has come in contact with these substances, follow the guidelines at right. Take apart any item that can be cleaned in pieces.
Flooded Private Sewage Systems SAFETY, SANITATION AND CLEAN-UP CONCERNS HOW PROBLEMS OCCUR Flooding of a private sewage system can be a hazardous situation for homeowners. It may lead to a back-up of sewage in the home, contaminated drinking water and lack of sanitation until the system is fixed. While you don't have control over rainfall or flooding in your area, you can prepare for high water problems and respond appropriately to emergency flooding.
AFTER THE FLOOD ♦ Do not use the sewage system until water in the disposal field is lower than the water level around the house. ♦ If you suspect damage to your septic tank, have it professionally inspected and serviced. Signs of damage include settling or inability to accept water. Most septic tanks are not damaged by a flood since they are below ground and completely covered. However, sometimes septic tanks or pump chambers become filled with silt and debris, and must be professionally cleaned.
Controlling Insects After Flooding HOW TO MINIMIZE MOSQUITO, FLY AND OTHER INSECT PROBLEMS ELIMINATE BREEDING SPOTS After a flood, mosquitoes, flies and other insects may be more abundant than usual, posing potential health problems. Filth and debris left by the storm create excellent breeding conditions for houseflies and mosquitoes, some of which may be capable of spreading typhoid, dysentery and encephalitis.
Rodent and Snake Control After a Flood SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND ELIMINATION WHERE THE RATS ARE Following floods, rats and other rodents may move into buildings to escape floodwaters. Snakes are often forced into places where they are not usually found. Upon re-entering flooded homes or buildings, you will need to be wary of these possibilities. Rats can carry disease and parasites, while snakes may be poisonous or at least frightening.
♦ Be alert for snakes in unusual places. They may be found in or around homes, barns, outbuildings, driftwood, levees, dikes, dams, stalled automobiles, piles of debris, building materials, trash or any type of rubble or shelter. ♦ Keep a heavy stick or long-handled tool handy. After dark, carry a strong light. ♦ Before beginning rescue or clean-up operations, search the premises thoroughly for snakes. Wear heavy leather or rubber high-top boots, and heavy gloves.
Salvaging Stored Wet Feed and Grain DRYING, MARKETING AND SAFE FEEDING USE DRYER IF POSSIBLE Time is of the essence in salvaging wet feed and grain. Both will begin to heat and mold very quickly, leading to spoilage as well as the possibility of spontaneous combustion. As soon as possible, you should remove dry portions of grain and store them separately. Dry bales of hay should be removed and restacked in a dry location, since capillary action will draw water up into the stack.
REPLACING HAY WITH GRAIN If you must replace conventional roughage feeds with grain because of flooding, consider fibrous grains such as oats, barley, ground ear corn or one of the high-fiber byproducts such as brewers grains, corn gluten feed or soy hulls. Continue to feed hay or straw unless you have had experience with high grain feeding. You must maintain a minimum amount of forage in cattle diets. Check with your nutritionist or county agricultural agent for guidelines.
Maintaining Livestock Health After a Flood ISSUES OF DISEASE CONTROL AND SANITATION DISEASE CONTROL If your fields or farm buildings have been flooded, take special precautions against flood-related accidents or diseases in poultry and livestock. Give animals extra care, particularly if they have been stranded by floodwater, and have been off regular feeding schedules. Keep fields clear of harmful debris, and clean buildings as soon as possible.
♦ If feed supplies are limited, give the largest portion of available feed to the highest producing cows and those recently fresh. This may be a good time to cull the herd. ♦ Clean and sanitize milking parlor, dairy barn and equipment before returning to normal use. ♦ Watch for signs of mastitis, which is likely to flare up if milking methods, time and equipment have been changed. SANITATION ♦ Clean out hog houses, barns and chicken houses.
Flooded Farm Vehicles and Equipment TIPS ON CLEANING AND RECONDITIONING EMERGENCY CLEANING Try to clean tractors, trucks and farm equipment as soon as possible. Delay will make dirt and silt harder to remove and may cause considerable rusting and corrosion. If you use farm vehicles and equipment before proper reconditioning, you may seriously damage them. Have your dealer or another expert recondition engines. They need to be completely disassembled for cleaning and reconditioning.
STARTING AND INITIAL OPERATION ♦ Examine the machine and turn it over by hand after you have cleaned and replaced all parts. If it turns freely, it is probably ready for operation. Turn on the engine and operate the machine at low speed until you are sure all parts are working smoothly. ♦ If there is a substantial amount of dirt in the crankcase, transmission or gear train, change the oil and oil filter after operating the machine for a few hours.
Tips for Handling Flooded Soils CLEAN-UP, SOIL TESTING AND COVER CROPS GENERAL GUIDELINES If sediment came from fertile fields of your upstream neighbors, the fertility status of the field will probably be unchanged or higher than before the flood. If heavy sedimentation occurs, these soils should be tested to determine nutrient status. Take soil samples at a 6to 8-inch depth in at least 15 locations per field. Each soil sample should represent 20 acres or less.
Salvaging Crops After Flooding RECOVERY OF ALFALFA, IRRIGATED PASTURES AND HAY ALFALFA Many factors affect the extent of crop damage after a flood. Seasonal temperatures can be a major factor. A July flood, for example, is often much worse for crop survival than a spring flood. The warmer mid-summer weather increases the rate of damage and death to submerged plants. During spring flooding, temperatures are colder and plants can survive longer under water.
OVERLY MATURE PERENNIALS Some overly mature alfalfa or clover grass can be partially salvaged by mixing with less mature forage and ensiling the crop. Although nutritional value will be low, this is a fast method of removing the crop to ensure a good second cutting. Ensile perennials in either conventional upright or temporary trench silos. To make a trench silo: ♦ Locate the trench where drainage is good. ♦ Design the trench for efficient feeding.
Weed Management After a Flood STRATEGIES FOR THIS YEAR AND NEXT IF THE CROP RECOVERS Floods can affect weeds both the year they occur and in subsequent years. The biggest impact in the flood year will be the reduced competitive ability of the crop. Weeds will take advantage of the stunted or killed crops and grow to maturity. In the year after a flood, new weed problems will be likely.
THE YEAR AFTER THE FLOOD FINAL DECISIONS Should you allow even more time than product labels specify before planting rotation crops? Probably not if you have used DNAs (as noted in chart), but it's difficult to say for other chemicals. Consider whether floodwaters brought in untreated soil from other fields. Also consider whether runoff removed a significant part of the applied product. When in doubt, use the bioassay test described at right or send a soil sample to a commercial lab for chemical analysis.
