Summary of Key Points
This article provides a detailed guide on which items can be kept and which must be discarded after a flood, covering three main categories: food, medicines, and daily necessities. It also offers advice on disinfection methods, mold prevention, and claims filing procedures. The primary goal is to help people avoid health risks caused by contaminated items and minimize property damage.
Food Affected by Floods
Apart from metal cans, almost all food should be thrown away. Floodwater is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, and chemical pollutants, making it unsafe to consume.
- Items to discard: Even if unopened, beverages in screw-top containers and milk/juice in carton boxes should be discarded as their packaging does not prevent contamination, and they cannot be thoroughly disinfected.
- Items that can be saved: Only intact metal cans and soft-packaged foods (such as those in boiling packets). Before use, remove the labels, wash the surfaces with soapy water, and boil the entire can for 2 minutes to ensure it is safe.
Medicines
Medicines contaminated by floodwater may contain bacteria or chemicals and should generally be discarded.
- Special cases: For patients with chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) who do not have alternative medications, if the pills are dry and intact, they can be used temporarily until safer alternatives are found. However, if the pills are soaked, they must be thrown away immediately.
Daily Necessities
The decision to keep or discard items depends on their material. The criterion is whether they absorb water easily and can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
- Items that can be saved:
- Stone, metal, and hard plastic furniture: Wash thoroughly, then wipe with a chlorine-based disinfectant for 30 minutes before rinsing off (be sure to protect metal from rust).
- Solid wood furniture: If only slightly soaked and not damaged, air-dry; if warped or moldy, discard.
- Stainless steel/ceramic/glass dishes: Wash and boil for 15 minutes to disinfect.
- Washable soft fabrics (bedding, clothes): Disinfect with a chlorine-based solution after washing.
- Plastic sandals, rubber rain boots: Clean and disinfect before use.
Items That Must Be Discarded
- Highly porous materials: Books, curtains, mattresses, stuffed toys, fabric sofas, leather shoes, wooden cutting boards/chopsticks (absorb water and retain contaminants, making them difficult to disinfect).
- Pressed/plywood furniture: Too porous to be cleaned effectively.
- Baby items: Bottles, diapers, baby clothing (babies have weak immune systems, and contamination is hard to remove).
- Personal care products: Shampoos, cosmetics, facial pads (screw-top or open containers are prone to contamination, and the tools are porous and difficult to disinfect).
- Large appliances/electronics: Floodwater can corrode circuits, posing electrical hazards; it is recommended to discard them or have them repaired professionally.
Mold Prevention
Mold can grow in damp environments within 48 hours and is harmful to health.
- Prevention: Dry items as quickly as possible using fans or dehumidifiers.
- Removal:
- Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles, and open windows for ventilation.
- For small areas of mold, scrape it off, clean the surface, and wipe with soap, water, and bleach.
- For large areas of mold, contact professional health authorities.
Final Step: Take Photos Before Discarding
If you have home insurance coverage for floods, take photos of the damaged items before discarding them. This will help in claiming compensation and reduce property losses.
The overall approach emphasized in this article is to prioritize health by avoiding exposure to bacteria and pollutants. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risks associated with post-flood situations.