Flood Recovery Information Package. Flood Information

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1 Flood Recovery Information Package Important information from the City of Belleville, Belleville Fire Department, Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit and Electrical Safety Authority to ensure your family s safety and well-being following the recent flood. Flood Information (613) after hours Public Works (sand bag removal)

2 Office of the Mayor Neil R. Ellis 169 Front Street, Belleville, Ontario K8N 2Y8 Phone: (613) Fax: (613) April 23rd, 2014 Residents affected by the flood Dear residents, On behalf of myself and my colleagues on Council, I would like to extend our sincere heartfelt concern for your loss and damage incurred over the course of the spring flooding in the Thurlow ward. Spending countless hours on-site during this flood, I have come to know many of you and I am amazed at how well your community came together during this time of need. I am overwhelmed by the volunteer response and support that was present. It sure makes being the Mayor of this City a rewarding position. Now that the worst of the flooding is over, we are in the clean-up phase. The City of Belleville, along with volunteers, will be assisting with this phase. I know that many of you have incurred serious damage to your homes and it is my hope that you will apply for the ODRAP funding and can come together as a community once again to raise funds for these repairs. Please find the enclosed documents that will provide you with helpful information for next steps. Sincerely, Mayor Neil R. Ellis

3 DISPOSAL BINS Bins will be placed in the following locations for flood affected homes to use starting on Friday April 25: River Road for houses on River Road south of Harmony Road 2. Harmony & River Road for houses on River north of Harmony Road 3. Ashley Street just north of Harmony Road for Houses on Ashley Street and Tile Drive 4. An Electrical Products only bin at Gerry Masterson Community Centre (near the sandbag filling area) THURLOW DUMP The Thurlow Dump will be open the following times for free dumping for flood affected addresses only. Please have your identification ready to show staff upon arrival. Saturday April 26 8:00am to 4:00pm Sunday April 27 8:00am to 4:00pm Saturday May 3 8:00am to 4:00pm SANDBAG REMOVAL Residents that are done with sandbags can leave them at the curb for pick up by City of Belleville staff. If you need help moving or disposing of your sandbags, please contact the City of Belleville Public Works for assistance (613) during regular business hours. Flood Information (613) after hours Public Works (sand bag removal)

4 DRINKING WATER SAFETY The Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, in conjunction with Quinte Conservation, is pleased to offer the following service: Dates: Thursday April 24, Tuesday April 29, and Thursday May 1 Time: Location: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Gerry Masterson Community Centre, 516 Harmony Road SERVICES AVAILABLE: Water sample bottle pick-up and drop off location. We will deliver the samples to the laboratory. Note that this test will only determine the bacteriological safety of your drinking water supply and not that it is chemical/contaminant free. (Please take the sample the same day you are submitting it.) Printed hand-outs on a variety of flooding and health related information will be available. This site will be staffed by a hydro-geologist and sewage system expert from Quinte Conservation. This site will be staffed by a public health inspector from the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit. Hastings & Prince Edward Health Unit (613)

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7 Electrical Safety and Water Damaged Electrical Equipment Guidelines on what to do in the event of flooding or water damage Electrical equipment and wiring that has been exposed to water through flooding, fire fighting activities, etc. may be dangerous if they are powered up without proper evaluation and reconditioning or replacement by qualified persons. Remember, water and electricity don t mix. In many cases the water has been contaminated with soil, debris, chemicals, sewage, oil, or other substances. Electrical equipment and wiring may not work properly and there may be fire and shock hazards because of exposure to moisture and pollutants in floodwater. What do I do if I need to leave my home? Preparing for a flood means taking steps in advance to protect your home and belongings. It also includes knowing how to return home safely and making preparations for normal living after the flood has subsided. If you think your home may become flooded, it s essential to shut off all electrical power before you leave by turning off the main service switch. If you have time, move as much electrical equipment as possible to floors or areas above the anticipated flood level. Note: Always have a flashlight and batteries ready - flooding may occur at night. Returning home after a flood When returning home, stay well clear of any downed electrical power wires and immediately report any to the Local Distribution Company (LDC or electric utility) or call 911. Approach downed trees, limbs or debris with caution there could be a live powerline hidden by the branches. Do not enter a flooded room or area where electrical equipment may still be plugged in there is a high risk of shock. Remember, electricity can travel through water or wet material like carpets. If the main switch at your electrical panel was left in the "on" position prior to a flood, contact your LDC (local utility) to ensure power to the building has been disconnected before attempting to access the panel. Never assume any part of a flooded electrical system is safe, not even the main switch or circuit breaker. Before testing or repairing any wiring or other electrical equipment, confirm all power should be disconnected by pulling the main switch at the panel. ESA strongly recommends that you hire a licensed electrical contractor to assess the damage to ensure your safety. You can find a licensed electrical contractor in your area at 1

8 Getting reconnected If electrical power to your home has been disconnected because of safety concerns or damage to your home s electrical system, your local utility requires written authorization from the Electrical Safety Authority before they can reconnect power to your home. An ESA permit is required and an ESA inspector will ensure repairs or replacement of wiring and equipment have been completed correctly before authorizing the utility to reconnect your electrical service. Further information regarding this process or to locate a licensed electrical contractor may be obtained from the Electrical Safety Authority at ESA-SAFE ( ) or at Safety tips for cleaning up damp or wet locations Water and electricity don t mix. To reduce the risk of shock from using electrical appliances in wet locations, ensure your wet/dry vacuum or other equipment is plugged into an outlet that uses a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Look for power bars that are equipped with GFCIs that can be used on a temporary basis during clean-up. Reconditioning flood or water damaged equipment Do not plug in or attempt to use electrical appliances that have been wet until they have been serviced by an electrician or service agency. There may be internal damage that you can t see. Certain electrical equipment that has been submerged may have to be replaced, while other equipment could be serviced by qualified personnel. Ask your electrician or contact the manufacturer or dealer to find the nearest service location. All breakers, fuses, disconnect switches, GFCIs, Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters, and surge protective devices that have been submerged must be replaced. There is no method of insuring these life safety devices will operate as intended when they are exposed to water; All electrical equipment, panels, switchgear, motor control centers, boilers and boiler controls, electric motors, transformers, receptacles, switches, light fixtures, electric heaters and appliances such as water heaters, ovens, ranges, and dishwashers that have been submerged need to be replaced or repaired by the original manufacturer or an approved representative; and Electrical wiring may require replacement depending on the type of wire or cable and the extent of the damage. Assessing damage to electrical equipment is a job best left to the experts. In many cases replacing the affected wiring and equipment is the only safe alternative, even if there s no visible damage. Simply allowing equipment and wiring to dry out and then powering the device up is not recommended. Always work with qualified experts -- using improper cleaning agents and techniques could lead to serious safety hazards. ESA recommends that you hire a licensed electrical contractor knowledgeable in this type of work to evaluate and repair or replace water-damaged electrical equipment and wiring. Electrical equipment or components that have been replaced due to water damage should be destroyed and must not be re-used. 2

9 All repair or replacement of electrical wiring and equipment is subject to inspection requirements according to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code; a licensed electrical contractor will look after this. For more information, contact ESA at ESA-SAFE ( ). Additional considerations for homeowners Remove dangerous chemicals such as weed killers, insecticides and corrosives to dry areas to reduce the chance of contaminating electrical equipment. Shut off all electrical power and the gas supply valve to any gas-fired appliance prior to flooding, if possible. Shut off the electrical supply to all oil-fired equipment. For additional fuel safety tips contact the Technical Standards and Safety Authority at For more information For assistance regarding other aspects of electrical safety or for further information about electrical safety in a flood situation, call ESA-SAFE or visit 3

10 about your house CE 7 After the Flood - A Homeowner s Checklist After a flood, it s important to restore your home to good order as soon as possible to protect your health and prevent further damage to your house and belongings. Whether you do the work yourself or hire a contractor, this handy checklist will help you organize the clean up. Before you begin Immediate action is important. Your house and furnishings are less likely to grow mold if they are dried within 48 hours. Put your own safety first. Avoid electrical shock. Wear rubber boots. Keep extension cords out of the water. Shut the power off to the flooded area at the breaker box. Ask your electrical utility for help if needed. Record details of damage, with photos or video if possible. Contact your insurance agent immediately and register with your municipality your municipality may have resources you need, such as future financial assistance. Set up a step-by-step action plan to: remove all water, mud and other debris dispose of contaminated household goods rinse away contamination inside the home remove the rinse water clean and dry out your house and salvageable possessions. Be prepared to make difficult decisions about what to keep and what to throw out. Household items that have been contaminated by sewage, or that have been wet for a long time, will have to be bagged, tagged and discarded according to local regulations. Assemble equipment and supplies: gloves, masks (N95 respirators) and other protective gear pails, mops, squeegees and plastic garbage bags unscented detergent large containers for wet bedding and clothing, and lines to hang them to dry you may also need to rent extension cords, submersible pumps, wet/dry shop vacuums and dehumidifiers or heaters. Store valuable papers that have been damaged in a freezer until you have time to work on them.

11 About Your House After the Flood - A Homeowner s Checklist First steps Remove standing water with pumps or pails, then with a wet/dry shop vacuum. Remove all soaked and dirty materials and debris, including wet insulation and drywall, residual mud and soil, furniture, appliances, clothing and bedding. Hose down any dirt sticking to walls and furnishings, then rinse several times, removing the remaining water with a wet/dry shop vacuum. Rinse, then clean all floors as quickly as possible. Flooring that has been deeply penetrated by flood water or sewage should be discarded. Work from the top down. Break out all ceilings and walls that have been soaked or that have absorbed water. Remove materials at least 500 mm (20 in.) above the high-water line. Removing only the lower part of the wall applies if action is taken immediately after the flood or wetting event. Gypsum board walls that have been exposed to high humidity or standing water for a prolonged period of time should be removed in their entirety and discarded. Ceiling tiles and panelling should be treated like drywall. Wash and wipe/scrub down all affected or flooded surfaces with unscented detergent and water. Rinse. Repeat the process as needed. Concrete surfaces can be cleaned with a solution of TSP (tri-sodium phosphate) in water (one half cup TSP to one gallon of warm water). When using TSP, which is highly corrosive, wear gloves and eye protection. Bleach is not recommended. The presence of organic (humic) materials, the ph (acidity/alkalinity) of the water, the surface material and contact time affect the effectiveness of bleach for disinfection. Since these factors are not generally controlled, bleach cannot be relied upon for disinfection. The most compelling reason for advising against bleach is that fumes are harmful but in addition, overuse of bleach will result in increased releases of chlorinated effluents, which can be harmful to the environment. Surfaces that are dry and/or have not been directly affected by the flood water should be vacuumed with a HEPA vacuum cleaner. Further cleaning of concrete surfaces can be done with TSP. Washable surfaces can be washed with unscented detergent and water. Surface mold on wood can be removed with a vacuum-sander. Do not sand without simultaneous vacuuming. Wood that looks moldy after sanding may need to be replaced. After cleaning the surfaces, ventilate or dehumidify the house until it is completely dry. Rapid drying is important to prevent mold growth. When the outside weather permits (low humidity and moderate temperature), open doors and windows and hasten the drying process with fans. If the outside weather is not suitable and you notice that drying is not happening fast, use dehumidifying equipment, renting extra units as necessary. To determine if the outdoor air can help dry the air inside, place a hygrometer in the area to be dried. Let it stabilize then open a window and monitor the Relative Humidity (RH). If it goes down then it means the air is dry enough to assist the drying process. If the RH increases, close the window. Carpets must be dried within two days. Sewage-soaked carpets must be discarded. Homeowners can't effectively dry large areas of soaked carpets themselves. Qualified professionals are required. Ensure that all interior cavities and structural members are completely dry (which could take weeks) before closing cavities. 2 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

12 About Your House After the Flood - A Homeowner s Checklist What to keep or discard Discard and replace all insulation materials, and all less-expensive articles that have been soaked, including particleboard furniture, mattresses, box springs, stuffed toys, pillows, paper and books. Separate valuable papers. Ask a lawyer whether you should save the papers themselves or just the information on them. The frames of good quality wood furniture can sometimes be salvaged, but must be cleaned and dried by ventilation away from direct sunlight or heat. Consult a furniture restoration specialist. Coverings, paddings and cushions must be discarded and replaced. Scrape heavy dirt from washable clothes, rinse and wash several times with detergent and dry quickly. Before moving back in Do not use flooded appliances, electrical outlets, switch boxes or fuse/breaker panels until they have been checked by your local utility. If they have been soaked, consult an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) contractor to replace the furnace blower motor, switches and controls, insulation and filters. Inspect all flooded forced air heating ducts and return-duct pans and have them cleaned out or replaced. Seek advice from your local utility about a water heater that has been wet. Refrigerators and freezers may need to be replaced. Flush floor drains and sump pits with detergent and water and scrub them to remove greasy dirt and grime. Clean footing drains outside the foundation if necessary. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 3