Results by Google
Home News 

Story

Flooding: Important Safety, Shelter, Help Information

Posted: 4:37 pm EDT September 17, 2004Updated: 1:37 am EDT September 18, 2004

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.

  • More News Headlines

    Irresistible