Wednesday 25^th November 2009

 -         Precautions to take to protect your health during flooding –

-         What to do if you have been affected by the floods –

The HSE today (Wednesday 25th November 2009) wishes to draw attention to the advice and supports available for people living in flood affected areas of the country.

In addition to forming part of the major emergency response teams in the affected areas, the HSE has information available for the public on how to protect their health when using emergency water supplies and how to clean up safely after floods. Other HSE services which may be of interest to those affected by the flooding include Community Welfare Services and Community Support Services, details of which are outlined below.

The HSE information leaflet entitled ‘Flooded Homes’ is being distributed and used by the HSE’s Environmental Health Officers working on the ground in flooded areas. The leaflet, which is also available to download in Environment Health Section of the HSE website www.hse.ie, outlines the risks posed by floodwater, precautions to take with emergency water supplies, advice on how to clean up safely after floods and what to do if you feel unwell. (See notes to editors for further details).

Dr Patrick Doorley, HSE National Director of Population Health, said, “This is an extremely difficult and stressful time for all those affected by the flooding. While infection problems arising from floods in Ireland are rare, as usually any harmful bugs in floodwater become very diluted and present a low risk, there are a few precautions that can be taken.”

“Taking the time to read the flooded homes information leaflet and following the health and safety advice available and will help people realise that there are some basic precautions they can take to protect themselves and their families while cleaning up flooded homes.”

 “We have many staff from Public Health doctors to Environmental Health and Community Welfare Officers, staff in the Local Health Offices, Regional Crisis Management Teams, Emergency Management Officers, Public Health Nurses, ambulance personnel, community mental health workers, General Practitioners, and voluntary agenciesworking in the communities affected in addition to the supports being provided by hospitals. We would encourage those affected to engage with the staff on the ground to ensure that they access the services available to help meet their needs at this very difficult time”; Dr Doorley said.

Community Welfare Services
The HSE has announced details of its Community Welfare Services for victims of flooding. People who have experienced hardship due to the unprecedented flooding in recent days are encouraged to attend a HSE Community Welfare Clinic in their area or to make contact with their Local Health Office.  

HSE South has arranged for special clinics to run for this week only, however, depending on demand, these may be extended.

HSE West in Galway and Galway County Council have begun to contact people whose homes have been affected by the flooding in the county to establish their needs e.g. furniture, clothing, medicine. People who are experiencing hardship due to the unprecedented flooding in County Galway in recent days are encouraged to phone their local Community Welfare Officer in their local Health Centre (contact details in Notes to the Editor) and an appointment will be arranged as quickly as possible. There is no need to wait to see a CWO at a public clinic.

HSE West in Galway is establishing a telephone line which will provide advice and information to the public in the area on services that are available to them. This will include information on the Community Welfare Offices and details of counselling services.

The Community Welfare Service is funded by the Department of Social Welfare Services to make Exceptional Needs Payments (ENP) to people on social welfare or HSE payments. Alternatively, an Urgent Needs Payment (UNP) can also be made to people who have suffered flood damage who would not normally be entitled to Social Welfare Assistance, to assist them with immediate needs such as food, clothing, fuel, or household goods. Payments are means tested, and subject to assessment by Community Welfare Officers based on each individuals personal circumstances and degree of loss due to flooding or water damage to their home or possessions. However, the normal qualifying conditions and means assessment may be disregarded where it appears to be inappropriate in the particular circumstances of any case, particularly in an emergency situation.

We are particularly encouraging people who may have lost everything in the floods and those who don’t have household insurance to attend one of our community welfare clinics for assessment. Each case will be dealt with on its merits and following assessment, payments may be made to assist people in recovering from the difficulties they may have experienced in the wake of flooding.

Community support services
In keeping with the tremendous community spirit shown in recent days, people are encouraged to continue to check on their neighbours and to look out for one another.

If people are in a crisis now and need someone to talk to contact your local doctor or GP out-of-hours service or contact the Samaritans on 1850 609 090.

Further details on health services in your area are available on www.hse.ie under ‘Find a Health Service’ or from the HSE Information Line on 1850 24 1850.

Emergency Response Teams
HSE representatives are part of the major emergency response teams working in each of the affected areas. HSE Chief Emergency Management Officers and Regional Crisis Management teams work closely with the Local Authorities and emergency services as part of the interagency emergency response.

-  ENDS -

For information specific to services being provided in a particular region please contact the Area Communications Manager.

HSE South
Christine Eckersley
021 492 3776 / 087 912 4440

HSE West
Caitriona Meehan
091 775 818 / 086 606 9749

HSE Advice for Flooded Homes

1. Risks from Floodwater

• Wherever possible, try to avoid coming into direct contact with floodwater. If you have to go into the water, wear waterproof gloves and rubber boots and remember to be careful of potentially concealed hazards
  
• Wash your hands – this is the most important way to get rid of harmful bugs. Use clean warm water, if available, with soap. Rinse and dry your hands after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing food, or after being in contact with floodwater, sewage or with items that have been in the water. Use cold water if there is no warm water (or else hand wipes, sanitizers etc. if there is no water at all)
  
• Keep any open cuts or sores clean and prevent them from being exposed to floodwater. Wear waterproof plasters.

2. Precautions with Emergency Water Supplies

• Emergency water supplies are being provided in affected areas. People are being asked to bring their own containers for water collection. It is important to ensure your water container is clean before it is filled.
  
• As a precautionary measure, you are advised to boil this water before use (this applies to both drinking water and water used for food preparation).
  
• All water for drinking and food preparation should be brought to the boil and then allowed to cool before using. Please remember that boiling water can carry a risk of scalding accidents. It is advisable to use a kettle rather than pots and pans. If you must use open containers such as pots and pans, then special care should be taken around young children or vulnerable people. Keep panhandles turned inwards where children / other vulnerable people cannot reach them.
  
• Boiled water (subsequently cooled) or bottled water may be used for brushing teeth, washing food, cooking and making ice.

Hand washing

People should ensure that they wash their hands frequently; if no tap water is available, they should use the water supply from water tankers in designated areas, bottled water, hand wipes or sanitizers.

Bottle feeding for babies

In preparing formula feeds for infants / babies, it is advisable to use water from one of the water tankers in the designated areas, or bottled water brought to a 'rolling' boil and left covered to cool for no more than half an hour. Then follow the manufacturer's instructions on making up the feed.

Use cooled boiled water or bottled water for cooling the feed once it has been made up. Ready-to-feed liquid formula may be used instead.

All bottled water should comply with all drinking water standards and will be safe to use in preparing baby feed. If you are using bottled water for preparing baby food, be aware that some natural mineral water may have high sodium content. Look at the label for sodium or `Na' and check its level is not higher than 200mg per litre. If the content is higher, then it is advisable to use a different type of bottled water. If no other water is available, then use this water for as short a time as possible. It is important to keep babies hydrated.

Bathing
If tap water is not available for bathing infants, boiled and cooled tanker water or bottled water are safe alternatives. Another safe alternative to bathing is to use baby wipes for hand cleansing and washing infants.

Similar advice applies to older children and adults.

Toilet flushing
The public are advised to conserve water where possible. It is not necessary to flush the toilet after urination. If there is no water for flushing toilets, other recycled water may be used e.g. water left over after washing, rainwater etc.

Contact lenses
Tap water or tanker water should never be used for cleaning or storing contact lenses since this could cause a rare, but serious, eye infection.

Schools
Schools in affected areas that do not have water for drinking, washing or sanitation should consider temporary closure for the duration of the emergency.

Private water supplies
If your water is sourced from a private supply such as a well, then check that it has not been affected by the flood water. If the private well has been covered by flood water, if the water changes colour, taste or smell, or, if you believe the supply has been affected by the flood, assume the water is unsafe to drink unless boiled or sourced elsewhere.

3. Cleaning up safely after floods

HSE Environmental Health is advising of some basic precautions to keep people and their families safe while cleaning their flooded homes:

Starting off

• Wash hands with soap and clean water before and after flood cleanup activities
  
• Cover cuts and sores with waterproof plasters
  
• Wear waterproof boots, plastic or rubber gloves at a minimum
  
• Take care with electrics, gas and sharp objects
  
• Keep children safe

How and what to clean

• Remove mud and dust
  
• Scrub hard surfaces with hot soapy water and detergent (including walls, hard-surfaced floors and furniture)
  
• Wipe over surfaces and disinfect with a weak solution of bleach (following manufacturer’s instructions) 
  
• All food preparation surfaces and equipment must be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected (following manufacturer’s instructions)
  
• Dispose of any food and associated packaging that had contact with floodwater, including canned food
  
• Wash bedclothes and other soft fabric articles such as children’s soft toys on a hot cycle (60^oC or higher). This will destroy most germs that may be present. Other contaminated soft furnishings that cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be cleaned professionally.  If this is not possible they may have to be discarded.

Drying Out

• Ventilate your home well (open all doors and windows)
  
• Remember that generators, dehumidifiers and other fuel-driven equipment should never be used indoors without adequate ventilation.
  
• Allow cleaned surfaces to dry completely as germs and mould thrive in wet conditions

Rats and Pests

• Rats may be on the move after a flood but they are generally wary of humans.
  
• Put rubbish in hard bins. If not possible, keep rubbish away from your home.
  
• Avoid approaching rats. If you are bitten by a rat, seek medical advice.

Living in your flood-damaged home

• Try to have some heating on at all times once it has been safety-checked
  
• Consider the use of a dehumidifier
  
• Ensure the property is well ventilated
  
• Leave windows open as much as possible but be mindful of security

4. If you Feel Unwell

If you feel unwell during the current environmental emergency, this does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from any illness associated with flooding.  If you are concerned about yourself or a family member you are advised to contact your family doctor.

Community Welfare Services for flood victims in County Galway