[Fair Lawn] Flood Clean Up Information

[news at fairlawn.org]

Flood Clean Up Information

The recent heavy rain and flooding conditions have caused accumulation of
rain water and sometimes water backup from sewer lines.

If the water is only rain water, contact the Fair Lawn Office of Emergency,
201-794-5390, and the town can assist with pumping out the water.  

If the water contains effluent from the sewer line, contact the DPW,
201-794-5305, to file a claim.  Sewer pumping stations have been jeopardized
and may not be able to handle extra water being pumped out of the building.
Get permission from the DPW to pump the sewage effluent into the building
sewer line if the town's sewer lines can handle it.  If not permitted to
pump water into the sewer line, chlorine bleach can be used to reduce the
possibility of bacterial organisms in the water.

Water destroyed refuse is to be put out at the curb for regular garbage pick
up. You may place out one bulk item and up to 4 barrels of garbage per
collection day. Metal items are done by special appointment through the
Recycling Division. Call the Recycling Dept at 201-794-5366 to schedule a
metal collection.  

After the water is removed from the premises, cleanup the affected areas as
per the attached: 

After the Flood: Cleanup of Flood Water
Be aware that flood water may contain sewage. After the water is removed
from the premises, protect yourself and your family by following these
steps:
Inside the Home
.	Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has
been completed. 
.	Wear waterproof boots, water resistant protective gloves, and
goggles during cleanup of affected area. 
.	Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such
as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture,
cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books,
wall coverings, and most paper products).   
.	Refuse containing spoiled or water damaged food should be packed in
heavy plastic bags and placed in refuse barrels if possible to prevent
disease and rodent attraction. 
.	Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated
with sewage or flood waters. 
.	Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete,
molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other
plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent.  Rinse with
clean water.  Sanitize with using a solution of one part chlorine bleach to
ten parts water.  Wipe dry with clean cloth, paper towels or clean mop.
NOTE:  Do not mix bleach and ammonia. The combination could be deadly.
.	Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and
dehumidifiers. 
.	After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and water.
Scrub hands and arms with soap for at least 20 seconds.  Wash other areas of
body which contacted the flood water.
.	Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent.
These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and
linens. 
.	Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water
and detergent. If you have a septic system, it is recommended that a
laundromat be used for washing large quantities of clothes and linens until
the onsite waste-water system has been professionally inspected and
serviced. 
.	Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.  If
you incur a  puncture wound while cleaning up the affected areas, seek
medical attention and ask about a tetanus shot booster.  Signs and symptoms
of infectious disease include: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, fever,
jaundice, white-colored stool.