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DOH-Flagler - Flooding From Hurricane Matthew can Cause Problems With Sewage Systems

By Mary Lahendro-Figueroa

October 11, 2016

BUNNELL, FLA - The Department of Health in Flagler County asks residents to take precautions. Following the passage of the storm, you may be experiencing difficulties with your sewage system not functioning properly. If you have a septic system that operates by a dosing pump, it will not function without electricity. You should refrain from using water in your home as much as possible until electricity is restored. Without the pump working, the septic tank will fill and may cause backup of sewage in your home.

General precautions:

  • Do not let children play in flood waters as these waters may be contaminated by sewage.

  • If you live in a low-lying or flood-prone area, the ground in your area may be saturated from heavy rainfalls or flooding from the hurricane. You should use household water as little as possible to prevent backup of sewage into your home

What should I do if sewage backs up into my home?

  • If a sewage backup has occurred in your home, stay out of affected areas and keep children away. If your entire home has been saturated, abandon the home until all affected areas, including but not limited to carpets, rugs, drywall, and baseboards, have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

  • If sewage has overflowed in open areas or streets, etc., avoid these areas and especially do not let children play in these areas.

  • If you are having problems in areas served by public sewer systems, please contact your utility company to insure they are aware of problems in your area.

For more information, please contact your county health department or visit https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/index.html or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov

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