Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD) reminds residents to take precautions during and after flooding. Floodwater can contain sewage, harmful germs, chemicals and debris that can cause illness or injury. Flooded areas may also hide downed power lines, sharp objects and other hazards.
Protect yourself and your family
- Avoid floodwater. Do not walk, swim or allow children and pets to play in flooded areas. Avoid rivers, streams and lakes affected by flooding.
- Wash after contact. Clean exposed skin with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Wash hands often, especially before eating.
- Clean contaminated items. Wash clothing exposed to floodwater with hot water and detergent. Clean and disinfect toys and other items before reuse.
- Protect wounds. Keep cuts covered with waterproof bandages. Clean any wounds exposed to floodwater and watch for signs of infection.
- Consider getting a tetanus booster.
- Cleanup brings cuts and puncture wounds from debris hidden in mud and water.
- For anyone doing cleanup or entering heavily damaged areas.
- Get a booster if you are wounded and your last shot was more than five years ago — or you are not sure.
- Archuleta County Public Health can support you in getting your booster — call (970) 264-2409
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- If your home was flooded, your refrigerators and freezers were likely compromised and food should be discarded.
- If you were without power for an extended amount of time:
- Most refrigerators will keep food safely cold for about four hours if unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours if the door remains closed. For a freezer that is half full, keeping the door closed can maintain the temperature for 24 hours.
- Wash your pets. If you and your family pets have been outside in potentially contaminated areas, wash them down.
Know when to seek medical care
Contact a health care provider if you develop fever, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps or signs of a wound infection, such as redness, swelling, or increasing pain. Seek medical care for deep cuts, puncture wounds, or injuries involving debris. A tetanus booster may be needed.
Be aware of other hazards
- Standing water on roads: Water covers up road damage and mud that can impact your travel. Avoid driving through standing water whenever possible.
- Downed power lines: Stay away from fallen lines and nearby water. Report them to your utility provider or emergency services.
- Propane tanks: Do not move displaced tanks. Contact your local fire department.
- Damaged batteries: Flooded car batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and electric vehicles may pose electrical, chemical, or fire hazards. Do not handle, charge, or operate damaged equipment. Contact your local fire department for guidance.
The best way to protect yourself is to avoid floodwater whenever possible and use caution during cleanup.
Special Considerations for those with wells and septic systems
- Turn off power to your well before any inspection happens
- Test and disinfect: Your well will likely need to be tested and disinfected before use
- If your cistern or well entry point was underwater or near the flood water, disinfecting and testing afterwards is recommended.
- If your cistern was not underwater but is showing signs of sediment or discoloration disinfect and see if that clears your system, then test.
- Do not turn your pump on: Use extreme caution and do not turn on your pump until it has been inspected due to risk of electrical shock.
- Use alternative water for drinking and bathing
- Let it Dry Out – limit use while the system is drying out
- Wait to pump the tank – Don’t pump until groundwater levels drop, extra pressure to an empty tank can compromise the system.
- Get help from a pro – if you think your system has been compromised get professional help to assess the system.
Documents with more details and safety information for many of the above topics can be found at https://publichealth.archuletacounty.gov/.
For more information about floodwater safety, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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