Oct. 17, 2023

Important health reminders during heavy rains and storms

Flooding, stormwater runoff and power outages can create health risks.

KITSAP COUNTY, WA — With fall rains and gusty winds returning to the region, it's important be aware of health risks caused by bad weather, power outages, stormwater, and sewage spills.

Scroll down to to find tips to protect yourself and your property. 

GENERATOR USE DURING A POWER OUTAGE

Incorrect generator use can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock, or fire.

• Follow directions supplied with the generator.
• Don’t overload your generator.
• Only use portable generators and barbecues outdoors. Using these appliances inside can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and death. 

FOOD SAFETY DURING A POWER OUTAGE

If the power has gone out:

• Use a thermometer to check the temperature of foods in your refrigerator and freezer. Refrigerated foods should be 41°F or colder and frozen foods should be 0°F or colder. 
   
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to conserve cold air or keep food cold with ice or dry ice. During a power outage, a full freezer will hold its temperature for about 48 hours or about 24 hours if it is half-full. A refrigerator will keep food safe for about 4 hours.
  
  
• If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish, or eggs while they are still at safe temperatures, cook them thoroughly to ensure any harmful bacteria are destroyed.
  
  
• When in doubt, throw it out! Never taste food to determine its safety. The following foods should be discarded if you decide to throw food away:
• Meat, poultry, or seafood products
• Soft cheeses and shredded cheeses
• Milk, cream, yogurt, and other dairy products
• Opened baby formula
• Eggs and egg products
• Dough and cooked pasta
• Cooked or cut produce

DRINKING WATER SAFETY AND DISINFECTION Store one gallon of water per person, per day to be prepared for storms and emergencies.  Public water systems: If there is flooding, local authorities or water system operators may recommend using only bottled, boiled, or disinfected water until regular water service is restored.    Private wells and small water systems: If your drinking water well is flooded, assume the water in your home is polluted. We recommend using bottled water that has been stored for less than six months in tightly sealed containers, or taking steps to disinfect well water (see steps below). Wells may require disinfection if flooded.

PURIFYING BY BOILING

• If your tap water is unsafe, boiling is the best method to kill organisms that cause illness.
• Cloudy water should be filtered before boiling. Use coffee filters, paper towels, cheesecloth or a cotton plug in a funnel. 
• Bring the water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute.
• Let the water cool before drinking.
• Add two drops of household bleach per gallon to maintain water quality while in storage. 

PURIFYING WITH BLEACH

• Treat water by adding liquid household bleach.
• Household bleach is typically between 5.25% and 8.25% chlorine. Read the label.
• Avoid using bleaches that contain perfumes, dyes and other additives. Be sure to read the label.
• Cloudy water should be filtered before adding bleach.
• Place the water in a clean container. Add 1/4 teaspoon of bleach to 1 gallon of water, or 1 teaspoon of bleach to 5 gallons of water. (See this page for additional guidance.)
• Mix thoroughly and let stand for at least 1 hour before drinking.

REPORT A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN If your concern is urgent, please call us at (360) 728-2235. For non-urgent concerns, you can also contact us at kitsappublichealth.org/concern. We address these during office hours and will route your concern promptly to the appropriate manager.

DO NOT HARVEST SHELLFISH DURING STORMS

Stormwater can pollute shellfish beds. Do not harvest shellfish from shorelines near populated areas during — and for at least five days after — heavy rainfall.

ONSITE SEWAGE (SEPTIC SYSTEMS)

Septic systems may not operate properly if soil in the drainfield area becomes saturated or is flooded. If your drainfield is very wet or under water, reduce indoor water use to prevent the system from failing. Overusing a septic system while the drainfield is flooded may cause sewage to back up into the house or rise to the surface in your drainfield area.

During extreme wet weather, follow simple steps to protect your septic system and property:

• Spread out water use during the day and week to even out water flow to the drainfield.
  
  
• Reduce water use by refraining to use the washing machine, cut back on toilet flushes, and reduce bathing.
  
  
• Identify and repair all leaky plumbing fixtures. A running toilet or a leaky faucet can discharge many gallons of extra water each day to the drainfield.
  
  
• Identify and repair all leaky septic tanks, risers, etc.
  
  
• Divert all surface waters and downspouts away from the septic system.

DEALING WITH FLOODWATER Floodwater often carries pollution that can make you sick. Remember to: Avoid direct contact with floodwater and wear protective equipment when working around floodwater. Wash your hands with soap and clean water before preparing or eating food, or after handling contaminated items. Discard all food that has come in contact with floodwater. Canned food is safe to use, but disinfect cans by wiping them with bleach water before use.

MORE RESOURCES

• Washington State Department of Health Severe Weather page
• CDC Severe Weather page
• Kitsap Department of Emergency Management
• Kitsap County inclement weather page

For more information contact:
 
Tad Sooter | Public Information Officer
Kitsap Public Health District
360-728-2330 - office | (360) 728-2235 - main
pio@kitsappublichealth.org | kitsappublichealth.org