After the Flood -- Now What?

Hopefully you are one of the lucky ones who have not been impacted by any flooding.  For those of you who were not as fortunate you are left to deal with the emotional trauma and a variety of cleanup issues.   

When the flood waters start decreasing, there are many dangers left behind. Many homes, buildings, possessions, and roadways are destroyed. Flood waters often become contaminated with many things that could be detrimental to your safety and health. The following are helpful tips on what to do after a flood occurs.  If you have been following previous blogs some of this may sound familiar and are worth repeating. 

Stay informed. Listen to your local news to keep up to date on conditions. If your area was evacuated, do not return until authorities have said it is safe to do so.

Avoid flood waters, as they may be contaminated by toxic chemicals, debris, sharp objects, power lines, sewage and other substances.

Stay away from downed power lines and report them to the local electrical company.

Avoid standing water as it may be electrically charged from underground or power lines that went down.

Do not attempt to drive through areas that are still flooded. Pay attention to the road closure and cautionary signs. Roadways may be collapsed underneath the flood waters.

Ensure buildings are structurally safe before entering. Look for warping, loosened or cracked foundation elements, cracks, holes, and damage to the walls and floors. Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by flood waters.

Record details of flood damage. Before removing any water or making repairs, make sure to document the damage for your insurer by taking photos or videos.

Report damage to your insurance. Notify your insurer as soon as possible after the flood. They will need to know the state of your home and any repairs you intend to do right away.

Maintain good hygiene during flood cleanup. Use proper personal protective equipment such as rubber gloves, masks, heavy boots and protective clothing. Wash your hands with soap and water if you come into contact with any remaining flood water or materials which have been potentially contaminated by flood water.   

Practice safe cleaning. Remove and throw out anything that was contaminated with flood water or sewage, such as drywall and insulation. Throw away items that cannot be washed or cleaned with bleach, such as mattresses, pillows and carpet. 

Avoid drinking water and eating contaminated food. Do not drink the water until authorities declare water is safe. Drink bottled water if it was not contaminated by flood water. Throw away any food that did or may have come into contact with flood waters.

Volunteers, Communications, Liability and Insurance Coverage with Flooding

Spring in Minnesota typically means flooding. With our record-breaking snowfall this year, water levels are expected to be especially high. Cities may seek the assistance of volunteers to manage flooding issues, so it is important to be aware of any liability and insurance concerns.  

County Emergency Management

City’s should contact their County Emergency Management Manager. The County EM should be able to give them some guidance on what to do, when to do it, and information on equipment and resources.

MnWARN - Utilities Helping Utilities 

http://www.mnwarn.org/ 

Mission: To promote and support a statewide response to utility emergencies and disasters through mutual assistance for water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities in Minnesota.

MnWARN's Informational Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6koMTf-F3l0

LMCIT: Coverage, Volunteers, and Communication

Minn. Stat. § 12.22, subd. 2a, provides as follows:

Subd. 2a. Volunteer protections. (a) Individuals who volunteer to assist a local political subdivision during an emergency or disaster, who register with that subdivision, and who are under the direction and control of that subdivision are considered an employee of that subdivision for purposes of workers' compensation and tort claim defense and indemnification.

It is likely volunteers assisting the city with flood protection would be covered by the abovementioned statute. Accordingly, a flood volunteer would also be covered by the city's LMCIT liability and workers' compensation coverage. Cities should understand they are liable if their flood volunteers are negligent or if they are injured while assisting the city.

The abovementioned law also provides that a city volunteer assisting a city in a disaster or emergency is considered a city employee, if the volunteer is registered with and working under the direction and control of the city. Therefore, cities should likely have some type of sign-in process to meet this registration requirement and maintain a record of the individuals volunteering. Cities should also provide some direction and control over volunteers.

Liability coverage for volunteers is discussed beginning on page 47 of our LMCIT Liability Coverage Guide: https://www.lmnc.org/media/document/1/lmcitliabilitycoverageguide.pdf?inline=true

For more information, please see page 3 of our Providing Assistance in Emergencies: Coverage and Liability Issues information memo: https://www.lmc.org/media/document/1/providingassistanceinemergencies.pdf?inline=true

Chapter 12 of the League's Handbook for Minnesota Cities, Public Safety and Emergency Management, also includes a model proclamation declaring a local emergency on the left side of page 5: https://www.lmnc.org/media/document/1/publicsafetyandemergencymanagement.pdf?inline=true 

For more information on communicating to your residents and other stakeholders during a city crisis, please see our Guide for Communication During a City Crisis: https://www.lmc.org/media/document/1/crisiscommguide.pdf?inline=true  

 Submitted by: Joe Ingebrand, Sr. Loss Control Consultant

Floodwater Risk -- Protect Yourself!

• Floodwaters can cause serious harm to your health and safety. The best way to protect yourself is to stay out of the water.
• Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infections, skin rashes, gastrointestinal illness, tetanus and many other injuries and illnesses.

• If you come in to contact with floodwater, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water.
• Wash any clothes contaminated in hot water with detergent before wearing them again.

Health and Safety Risks when Dealing with Floodwater

Sharp Debris
Exposure: Cuts from nails, screws, glass, and/or metal pieces. This will not only cause injury, but also exposure to infections through the open wound.
Protection: Wear heavy duty long clothing and thick shoes if you must go through water. Otherwise stay away.

Structural Damage
Exposure: Serious injuries from the collapsing of buildings and homes.
Protection: Stay away from any homes or buildings with severe structural damage.

Electrical Damage
Exposure: Electrical shock from fallen power lines.
Protection: If you see power lines down, be sure to report them to local electric company. If for any reason you must enter water, make sure all power in area has been shut off.

Open wounds
Exposure: Open wounds exposed to harmful substances in the water.
Protection: If you must enter the water ensure wounds are properly protected before entering. Otherwise avoid going into the water. Seek medical attention if there is a foreign object embedded in the wound.

Toxic Chemicals and Substance
Exposure: Exposure to gas, oil, pesticides and other chemicals and substances.
Symptoms that could occur if affected: muscle twitches, difficulty breathing, headaches, diarrhea, skin rashes, and/or disorientation.
Protection: Avoid areas that you know, or suspect are contaminated with chemicals. Practice good personal hygiene practices.

Fecal Matter Contamination
Exposure: Exposed to sewage waste, organic waste, and animal feces.
Symptoms that could occur if affected: Vomiting, Nausea, Diarrhea, and Gastroenteritis. Protection: Wear protective gear. If you know certain areas are affected by sewage, stay out of the flood water. Seek medical attention if a wound becomes contaminated with feces to determine if you need a tetanus booster.

Insects and Animals
Exposure to bugs that carry harmful diseases and wild animals such as snakes, alligators, or raccoons that pose a threat to personal safety.
Protection: Look out for animals and do your best to stay away. 

If you do end up working in flood water, here are some safety hygiene tips from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/floodsafety.html 

Submitted by: Kate Connell, Loss Control Representative

Turn Around, Don't Drown -- What to do During a Flood

Floodwater Facts

• Six inches of water can reach the bottom of most cars, causing you to lose control of your vehicle.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles.
• Six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

• Floodwater can pose a drowning risk. Do not attempt to walk, swim or drive through flooded waters.
• Avoid areas that are already flooded. Seek higher ground. Even if the water may appear shallow, you can’t be sure of the condition of the road beneath it, which may be broken up or washed away.
• If the road is flooded, find another route. It could save your life.
• Never ignore signs and barriers that warn of flooded and dangerous roads.
• If floodwaters start rising around your car, if possible, abandon car and get to a higher ground.
• If driving at night, be careful, as flooding is more difficult to recognize.
• Floodwater may be carrying debris that could injure you. 
• Keep children away from floodwater. Prevent them from playing near or in drainage outlets and storm water retention basins.
• Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water. Stay away from power lines that are down.

Check out these videos on what could happen if you don't turn around:

https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-turn-around-dont-drown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI6mIlHKrVY

Submitted by: Kate Connell, Loss Control Representative

Safety Tips for Filling, Moving, and Placement of Sandbags

Record snowfall, warmer temperatures, and rain has led to an increased risk of flooding across Minnesota communities. As cities prepare, remember that sandbagging is extremely hard work and requires heavy lifting.

First and foremost, when sandbagging, your safety is the most important. Any medical conditions that could have adverse effects on your health, do not be involved in the filling or handling of sandbags. If you are not feeling well, seek medical attention immediately.

It is also important to wear proper clothing and personal protective equipment. Depending on the conditions and your task, you may need to wear safety glasses, closed toe and heel shoes, work gloves, proper head gear, and reflective gear if working at night.

When beginning work, always stretch before lifting and use proper lifting techniques, remembering to keep the lift between knee and waist height. Do not reach out, bend over, of twist when lifting. Do not lift with your back, use your legs. Be aware of your physical conditions and what your limits are.

Filling the sandbags is a two-person task. There should be one person holding the sandbag and another person shoveling and releasing the sand into the bag. Sandbags should only be filled one-half to two-thirds full. Make sure when you are holding the bag to stand feet shoulder width apart and one foot forward in a power stance, with knees slightly bent.

If you are shoveling, it's important to keep your feet wide apart with your front foot close to the shovel. Again, bend your knees and not your back, and keep the shovel close to body. Do not twist your body, instead turn your feet when putting sand into the bag.

Once you start moving and placing of sandbags, carry it in front of you at waist height and close to your body. If passing bags, do not throw them.

Be aware of your surroundings. There will be multiple different tasks going on. Watch for heavy equipment. Check the ground conditions. Watch for other people working. 

While you're filling and placing sandbags, be sure to avoid touching your eyes and mouth because there may be bacteria in the sand, flood water, and other materials and equipment you come in contact with. Always wash your hands before eating and drinking.

Take frequent breaks and rotate positions. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Here are some helpful resources:

• NDSU: Sandbagging for Flood Protection
• Video- NDSU: Sandbag Safety Tips
• OSHA Fact Sheet: Filling, Moving and Placing Sandbags During Flooding Disasters 
• US Army Corps of Engineers: Flood Fighting, How to Use Sandbags 
• Sandbagging 101

Submitted by: LMCIT Loss Control