King County Public Health is advising the public of potential problems related to the recent flooding situation.

Please consider these flood health tips if there has been any significant flooding to your property.

Drinking water wells:

• If you suspect that your well has been flooded, do not drink the water until the well has been tested and decontaminated.

Wells that are flooded can be contaminated by germs that cause serious illness such as giardiasis, gastroenteritis, and hepatitis.

• If your well is possibly contaminated, drink bottled water or boil your water for at least one minute before drinking.

Septic systems:

• Septic tank systems that have been flooded should not be used.

After waters have receded, check the system for broken lines or sewage surfacing.

Correct any problems before using the system.

If you have questions about septic systems contact the King County Community Environmental Health Section at 206-296-4932.

Food and medicine:

• Discard food, medicines, and cosmetics that were not in water tight containers and that were exposed to flood waters.

Disinfect water tight containers that were exposed to flood water.

Discard all milk, fish, meat, poultry, and eggs, if refrigeration has been off and the temperature is greater than 41° F.

Cleaning a basement or house:

• Be careful before using any electric appliance in a house that has been flooded.

• Do not turn on wet electric appliances because they may cause an electric shock, overheat, or start a fire.

• Fumes from all solvents are toxic and some are flammable.

Detailed information on the following flood and health related topics may be found in English and other languages at www.kingcounty.gov/health/disaster

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