约克区政府提醒居民在水灾情况下保持食物饮水安全以防止受损患病

Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for York Regionwith potential for localized flooding. The Regional Municipality of York is reminding residents to take extra precautions to be prepared.

Prepare

• Monitor local media and conservation authorities for flood alerts and warnings
• Use caution when driving in severe weather and avoid areas of rising water levels near lakes and streams
• For road closure updates, follow @YorkRegionGovt on Twitter using the hashtag #OnYRRoads
• Check your sump pump to confirm it’s working; have a backup pump
• Check your eavestroughs, culverts and drainage ditches to make sure they are clear
• Assemble a 72-Hour Emergency Kit for you and your family to ensure you have enough supplies

Drinking water safety

• Municipal water is safe and treated, but in the event of flooding, follow public service announcements regarding the municipal water supply
• If your  water comes from a well and has been contaminated with flood waters, do not use the water for cooking, drinking or bathing – use bottled water or water from an approved source such as a municipal water supply
• Boiling will not remove chemicals from well water contaminated by flood waters  
• Flooded wells should be tested for bacteria before water is consumed

Cleaning

• Always wash your hands with soap and clean water before eating, after cleaning and handling articles contaminated by flood waters
• If soap and clean water are not available, use hand sanitizer
• When cleaning contaminated areas, wear boots, rubber gloves, eye protection and a face mask where possible
• Clean, disinfect or replace materials damaged by flooding and discard soaked items such as mattresses, pillows, stuffed toys and paper products – professional assistance may be required to remove carpets, drywall, or insulation
• Flooding can pose a potential health risk as bacteria, mould and other micro-organisms may live in the remaining debris – persistent mould growth may require professional assistance

Food safety

• Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood waters
• If you are unsure whether an item is spoiled or contaminated, throw it out
• If the flood causes a power outage, keep your fridge and freezer closed as much as possible
• Do not eat food that spoils quickly if it has been at temperatures above 4°C (40°F) for more than two hours

For more information on this or any other health-related topic, please contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-512-6228 or visit york.ca
 

(Source:  The Regional Municipality of York)