After-effects of flooding linger
The water that was pumped out of the basement last week may have left some unwelcome guests behind.
In addition to damaging goods, posing a threat of electrocution, and possibly causing gas leaks, floods can bring bacteria that can live on after the water is gone.
According to Warren County Public Safety Director Todd Lake, the water that seeped into basements all over the county, particularly in the west-central areas of Spring Creek, Pittsfield, and Brokenstraw townships, and Youngsville Borough, last week can cause lingering problems.
Mold may grow and bacteria will continue to multiply unless properly cleaned with some kind of anti-bacterial product, Lake said. “Everything should be cleaned very well with anti-bacterial products — store bought or homemade.”
Some of the products used to treat for mold and bacteria are themselves dangerous.
The agents should list precautions and homeowners are cautioned to follow those suggestions and limit exposure to the chemicals and the fumes from them. Ventilation is recommended and protective equipment including eyewear, gloves, and a face mask may be needed.
Lake suggested that residents who have been through flood problems in the past look into ways to limit or eliminate them in the future.
“p1″>”Everyone with water issues needs to think about mitigation and prevention measures such as replacing sump pumps, battery backup for sump pumps, generators, and raising furnaces and hot water tanks,” he said. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) investigated a report that the base of an oil well along State Street in North Warren was covered by the rising Conewango Creek. Officials said the well was complete, though not in full production, and sealed against any leak due to flooding.
Wells are subject to all kinds of weather conditions, but there is little danger of infiltration, Lake said. They are “almost totally sealed during drilling and sealed once in production.”
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