Storm Q&A
August 12, 2010
Important Storm and Flood Information
Q: I have never had water in my basement before. What do I need to do?
A: Because it is difficult to know whether the water in your basement or on your property is contaminated or not we must assume that it is contaminated. All residents should avoid entering any flood water without appropriate protective wear. Rubber boots, gloves, N95 masks, etc. When it is safe to do so, remove all items that have water on them or in them so they can dry out before putting them back in the house. This will reduce the chances of mold developing.
Q: I have water in my basement and I don't know it is sewage or rain water. How can I tell?
A: Because it is difficult to know whether the water in your basement or on your property is contaminated or not we must assume that it is contaminated. All residents should avoid entering any flood water without appropriate protective wear. Rubber boots, gloves, N95 masks, etc. When it is safe to do so, remove all items that have water on them or in them so they can dry out before putting them back in the house. This will reduce the chances of mold developing.
Q: Should I get a tetanus shot?
A: CDC recommends that you get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If you will be working in a flooded area and have not had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years, you should get a shot as a precaution. If you have an open wound or cut that has been exposed to flood waters and have not had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years you should get a booster shot. Tetanus shots are available at the Polk County Health Department, 1907 Carpenter Avenue, 515-286-3798. No appointment is needed.
Q: How can I minimize my risk during storms?
A: Do not walk or drive in flood water as items may be submerged in flooded areas and manhole covers may be missing. Avoid skin contact with contaminated materials or water and keep the area well ventilated. Keep children and pets out of affected areas, do not let them play in flood water. Resist the temptation to begin cleaning up before the water recedes. Play it safe and leave the area.
Q: What do I do about electricity if my home or business is flooded?
A: Contact Mid American Energy to disconnect the gas and power. Mid American can be contacted by calling 1-888-427-5632. There is no charge for the disconnect service. Do not enter flooded areas or wet buildings if the power is on. Have an electrician check the structure's electrical system before entering or turning the power on again. Discard refrigerated perishable foods such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheese, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after four hours without power.
Q: Will my drinking water be contaminated by flood waters?
A: The City of Altoona's water supply is safe to drink. If you have additional questions regarding your drinking water please contact the water department at 967-2454.
Q: Do I need to worry about mold?
A: Mold grows in moist areas and looks like fuzzy or patchy white, green, brown, or black growths that you will see on wallboard, wood furniture and cabinets, clothing, wall studs, and almost any other surface. Mold can be hazardous to your health, do not attempt to clean mold without complete instructions. Get complete instructions for cleaning mold at www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health/.
Q: Are there other diseases I should worry about associated with flooding?
A: Standing water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that can carry West Nile Virus or Encephalitis, which are dangerous diseases. Eliminate standing water found in buckets, toys, old tires, and plugged gutters. Use a mosquito repellant containing DEET. Avoid being outside during the evening hours and wear long sleeves and pants.
Q: Does the City spray for mosquitoes?
A: The City sprays for mosquitoes every week until the first frost.
Q: What if there are chemical spills during the flood?
A: If you suspect someone has been poisoned by a chemical, call 911 or 1-800-222-1222. If you suspect that a pet has been poisoned by a chemical, call 1-888-426-4435. Wash skin and remove clothing that may have come into contact with the chemical. Do not combine chemicals from leaking or damaged containers. Do not dump chemicals down drains, storm sewers, or toilets. Do not try to burn household chemicals. Clearly mark and set aside unbroken containers until they can be properly disposed. Leave damaged or unlabeled chemical containers undisturbed whenever possible. Report all oil and chemical spills to the Metro Waste Authority (515-244-0021).
Q: I was working in a flooded area and became ill?
A: If you were working in a flooded area and have become ill, with symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, contact your physician. Tell your physician about the area you were working in and any possible contaminated items, such as fecal matter, you came in contact with. Do not handle food if you have become ill after working in a flooded area.
Q: What is the city doing to prevent future sewer backups?
A: The City is taking a two pronged approached to reduce the amount of groundwater and storm water entering the sanitary sewer system which contributes to sewer backups during storm events. The City of Altoona has been lining the sanitary sewer pipes to reduce groundwater that infiltrates into the sanitary sewer main through joints and cracks in the pipe. This process will continue as funds are available. The second project to prevent sewer backups will involve installation of secondary storm sewers in neighborhoods where there currently are none, unhook footing and foundation drains from the sanitary sewer service lines, and requiring homeowners to install sump pumps and connect the sump lines to the new secondary storm sewer lines. The city will be holding meetings with the residents in the affected neighborhoods in the coming months to further discuss these projects. If you have additional questions regarding these projects, please contact city hall at (515) 967-5136.
Q. How do I properly get rid of water damaged items?
All household hazardous products, such as fertilizers, paints, stains, and other chemicals, may be taken to the Regional Collection Center located in Bondurant during normal business hours. The RCC is open Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon.
Recyclable materials, such as paper and cardboard, are still recyclable when wet. Please be sure to place such items in your Curb It! cart for normal collection.
Other damaged property, which is not considered hazardous or recyclable, can be disposed of at the Metro Park East Landfill located near Mitchellville or at the Metro Park West Landfill located just north of Perry. Standard disposal fees and hours for each of the landfills still apply.
**Please note that the abnormally large amount of rain received in the City may delay recycling, yard waste, and garbage collection. Collection days will remain the same throughout the recovery process, however, time of day might be different. We encourage residents to be patient as we work together to clean up our communities.
For more information on how to properly dispose of flood damaged materials, please visit www.MWAtoday.com or call 244-0021.
