County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

Water and Food Safety After Flooding

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Residents along flooded rivers in Arenac and Gladwin counties should avoid contact with flood waters. Standing flood water and flooded waterways are likely contaminated with high levels of bacteria. Rivers and streams may also have an unusually strong current and underwater hazards, posing an extreme safety danger.

If you have an onsite water well and it has been submerged by floodwaters, the well should be chlorinated and tested to make sure it is free of bacteria prior to use. Use bottled water or water from a known safe source until the well is tested. Contact a licensed well driller for assistance in disinfecting your well. This work is permitted as an essential service to protect life under the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order 2020-92, and following orders. Do not consume the water until it has been tested and shown to be free of bacteria. Discuss water well testing with your well contractor or contact your local health department about testing containers, payment, and shipping options.

Throw out any foods that have come in contact with flood waters. For additional information on water and food safety during a flood go to:
https://www.fda.gov/food/recallsoutbreaksemergencies/emergencies/ucm076881.htm or visit our web site at www.cmdhd.org and search for Flood in the search bar. Visit FEMA for information on avoiding mold after flooding: https://www.fema.gov/pdf/rebuild/recover/fema_mold_brochure_english.pdf

This article has been brought to you by Central Michigan District Health Department, which serves the counties of Arenac, Clare, Gladwin, Isabella, Osceola and Roscommon. Visit our website at www.cmdhd.org, LIKE Central Michigan District Health Department on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @CMiDHD.

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