Lithgow Storm Event – beware of health and safety risks in flood clean up

Lithgow City Council is urging residents to stay vigilant in the clean-up of the storm event on 11 January 2022.

Many people are eager to clean-up their properties once water levels recede, however Lithgow City Council is urging all affected community members to please wait for the ‘all clear’ from emergency services agencies before going into an affected area, and to ask the authorities if you can salvage items from your house.

Do not wade or drive through flooded roads or waterways and look out for broken glass, tin, nails and other sharp objects that can cause injury.

If you can, check on your neighbours to see if they are OK and need any help. Let them know if you need some help. If phone lines are damaged, let family and friends know that you are OK and how you can be contacted. There are many environmental health risks following flooding, particularly as floodwaters may be contaminated with sewage and chemicals.

Cleaning up will be a massive task and it will be a distressing and difficult experience. It is important to protect your health when cleaning up after floods.

NSW SES flood clean up advice

Flood waters can be dangerous and may be contaminated, so always wear protective equipment for all tasks:

always wear protective gear, including gloves and face masks, as well as sturdy boots/covered shoes, full-length clothing, eye protection, hat, sunscreen and insect repellent when necessary. watch out for potential dangers such as snakes, spiders and other animals if wildlife has taken shelter in your sheds or home, contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 if power lines have fallen, move away slowly and calmly and contact the energy authorities. Be careful around trees, as branches may have become loose and can fall without warning if you have to step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker, call an electrician first for advice. all electrical equipment (including vacuum cleaners, washers, fridges and dryers) should be dried and checked by an electrician before being used again.

Other risks when returning to your home or an area previously affected by flooding include:

water damaged electric circuits structural damage to your home potential contaminants gas leaks slip, trip or fall hazards.

For more details on cleaning up after a flood and a flood safe fact sheet, visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au or direct link www.ses.nsw.gov.au/flood-resources/after-a-flood/cleaning-up-after-a-flood

NSW Health advice

wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning remove carpets, mattresses and other wet furniture dispose of contaminated food dispose of contaminated personal items including toothbrushes, crockery etc. beware of materials that could be a risk to your health, including asbestos protect yourself against mosquitoes carrying disease

Risks with contaminated water supplies

Use boiled water for drinking, washing raw food, cooking, brushing teeth, and pets’ drinking water if piped water is not available.

If underground rainwater tanks have been inundated by flood water, empty the tank water, disinfect drinking water inside the tank with chlorine and clean and flush the rest of the system, including pipes and taps.

No recreational activities in floodwater

Floodwater can be extremely polluted and contaminated with sewage and chemicals. Contact can lead to skin and stomach infections and other rare, but serious conditions, such as leptospirosis.

If you have any questions, seek advice from your local Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or 4734 2022 or visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

Flood Information – Lithgow 2022

Updates on local roads can be found at www.livetraffic.com.au

For Flood Information including fact sheets and recovery support information go to Council’s website https://council.lithgow.com/flooding-assistance/

Further information including warnings, and other flood information will be added to this page.