Flooding: Important Safety, Shelter, Help Information
Posted: 4:37 pm EDT September 17,2004Updated: 1:37 am EDT September 18,2004
PITTSBURGH -- Allegheny County opened several emergency shelters due to the flood conditions:Sto-Rox Middle School
Cuddy Fire Hall
Sturgeon Fire Hall
Millvale Recreation Center
Russellton Evacuation to West Deer Fire Dept. #1
Tips for staying safe in a flood:Stay out of areas subject to flooding.
If you are outdoors, climb to higher ground and stay there.
If you come upon a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go the other way.
If you are driving, avoid areas prone to sudden flooding. If you come upon rapidly rising waters, turn around. Do not attempt to drive through it.
If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water or it stalls, determine whether you can safely get out. If so, abandon the car and move to higher ground.
The Allegheny County Health Department offering cleanup information for homes and businesses:Clean and disinfect washable surfaces that have come in contact with floodwater. Wash with soap and water; then disinfect with a mixture of a quarter cup of household bleach per gallon of water.
Discard upholstered furniture, mattresses, bedding and stuffed toys soaked in floodwater.
Soaked and soiled carpeting should also be discarded. If you try to salvage carpeting, dry it out and then shampoo it with a commercial rug cleaner.
Clean, dry and check your furnace, water heater, washer, dryer and other appliances before using them. Don't handle electrical equipment in wet areas.
Call a plumber or an electrician for professional service.
To remove odors from refrigerators and freezers, use warm water with a detergent and wipe dry. If an odor persists, try a solution of one teaspoon of baking soda or one cup of household ammonia per gallon of water.
Throw away foods that have come in contact with floodwater.
Make sure everyone involved in flood cleanup work has an up-to-date tetanus shot. Boosters are recommended every ten years.
Tips for staying safe in a flood:
The Allegheny County Health Department offering cleanup information for homes and businesses:
Copyright 2004 by Wpxi.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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