September 10, 2017

Florida Department of Health in Brevard County Issues Proper Sewage Clean-up Procedures

Contact:
ESF 8 Desk
(321) 637-6675

Rockledge, Fla. —Heavy rainfall from tropical systems and hurricanes may result in flood waters that are contaminated with sewage. Proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures are recommended to prevent illness.

How to clean up sewage contaminated items and sewage spills inside your home:

• Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots and waterproof gloves.
• Clean walls, hard-surfaced floors, and other household surfaces with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Once cleanup is complete dry out affected items to prevent the growth of mold.
• Be careful about mixing household cleaners and disinfectants, as combining certain types of products can produce toxic fumes and result in injury or death. Do not mix ammonia cleansers with bleach as toxic vapors will form.
• Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean them.
• Items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, must be air dried in the sun and sprayed thoroughly with a disinfectant or may be replaced as needed.
• Steam-clean all carpeting or replace as needed.

For spills outside your home:

• Contact your utility or a registered septic tank contractor for clean-up.
• Minor spills requiring immediate attention may be disinfected with regular garden lime from a garden shop. Follow the lime container’s label instructions for personal protective equipment needed.
  • Sprinkle the lime onto the spill so the spill is dusted mostly white on the surface. If the residue is thicker in some places use a rake to mix the lime and the residue.
  • After a day, rake up the thicker residue and place it in a trash bag for disposal with the other trash. Use a sprinkler or hose to water the lime and residue into the soil.
  • Let the area dry in the sun a day before allowing access. If there is still white lime dust visible on the yard, water it in until the white dust is gone.
    

Follow proper hygiene procedures to prevent illness:

• Keep hands and fingers away from the nose, mouth, eyes and ears.
• Wash hands with soap and water immediately after cleanup efforts as well as before eating or drinking.
• Keep fingernails short and clean. Use a stiff brush to remove dirt and foreign materials.
• Do not store fresh work clothes with used work clothes.
• Shower after each work day

For more information, please contact The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County arwww.brevardeh.com or visitwww.floridahealth.gov orwww.floridadisaster.org.