Montezuma County Public Health Flood Safety: Protecting Your Family, Home & Health

Floodwater Safety

Avoid Contact with Floodwaters

Do not walk, swim, or allow children or pets to play in flooded areas. Avoid rivers, streams, and lakes affected by flooding.

Wash Exposed Pets

If your pet has come into contact with potentially contaminated floodwater, wash them thoroughly with clean water.

Wash Exposed Skin and Hands

Clean any skin exposed to floodwater with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Wash hands frequently, especially before eating or preparing food.

Clean Contaminated Items

Wash clothing and household items that may have been exposed to floodwater. Discard items that cannot be safely cleaned and disinfected.

Protect Cuts and Wounds

• Keep cuts and scrapes covered with waterproof bandages.
• Thoroughly clean wounds exposed to floodwater.
• Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, or increasing pain.
• Seek medical attention for deep cuts, puncture wounds, or injuries involving debris.

Watch for illness.
Contact a healthcare provider if you develop fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps after exposure to floodwater.

Septic System Safety

Flooding can temporarily affecttems. Do not assume your system has failed simply because the area is saturated.

• Need help locating your septic tank? Montezuma County Public Health can help you locate your tank if you are unsure where it is.
• Allow the area to dry out. Wait for floodwaters to recede and groundwater levels to drop before determining whether your system is failing. You may need to limit water use to help the area dry out.
• Do not pump your tank too soon. Pumping while groundwater levels are high can cause an empty tank to float, shift, or become damaged due to surrounding water pressure.
• Seek professional assistance. Contact a qualified septic system professional if you believe your system has been damaged or compromised.

See the attached septic system flyer for additional information.

Private Well Water Safety

Flooding can contaminate private wells with bacteria and other harmful substances. If your well has been submerged or surrounded by floodwaters, do not assume your water is safe to drink.

Wait for Floodwaters to Recede

Do not use or test a well while it is actively submerged or surrounded by floodwaters. Use a safe alternative drinking water source until the well has been properly inspected, disinfected, and tested.

Recommended Steps for Restoring Your Well

1. Turn off power. Shut off electricity to the well before any inspection or repair work. Have a qualified professional handle electrical components.
2. Have the well inspected. Contact a qualified well or pump contractor to inspect the well and determine whether pumping, cleaning, and disinfection are needed.
3. Disinfect the well. A qualified professional can shock-chlorinate the well and associated plumbing to address bacterial contamination.
4. Flush the system. Follow the contractor’s instructions for flushing chlorine from the well and plumbing.
5. Test your water. Collect a sample after disinfection and flushing, following the laboratory’s instructions for proper timing and collection.
6. Conduct follow-up testing. If the initial test is satisfactory, consider testing again in 2–4 weeks to confirm the water remains safe.

Food Safety After Flooding

Refrigerator Safety

• An unopened refrigerator will generally keep food safely cold for approximately 4-6 hours.
• If your refrigerator has been exposed to floodwater, food safety may be compromised even if the power remains on.
• Discard food that has come into contact with floodwater.

Freezer Safety (if unopened)

• A full freezer can maintain its temperature for approximately 48 hours.
• A half-full freezer can maintain its temperature for approximately 24 hours.

Important: Never taste food to determine whether it is safe. Discard food that may have been contaminated by floodwater, including food stored in packaging that is not waterproof.

Flood Cleanup: Important Safety Tips

1. Protect Yourself

• Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection.
• Use an N95 mask when exposed to mold or dust.
• Keep children and pets away from flooded areas.
• Wash hands and exposed skin frequently with soap and clean water.

2. Make Sure Your Home Is Safe

• Do not enter damaged buildings until they are safe.
• Have electrical systems inspected before turning power back on.
• Never use generators, grills, or fuel-powered equipment indoors or in garages due to carbon monoxide risk.
• Watch for structural damage, gas leaks, and exposed electrical wires.

3. Clean and Disinfect

• Remove standing water, mud, and debris when safe.
• Discard wet carpeting, mattresses, insulation, and other materials that cannot be properly cleaned and dried.
• Clean hard surfaces with soap and water, then disinfect.
• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products.

4. Prevent Mold

• Dry your home as quickly as possible, ideally within 24–48 hours.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers when electricity is safe.
• Remove wet materials that cannot be dried.
• Check for hidden moisture behind walls, cabinets, and flooring.