With the risk of flooding, the Greene County Health Department urges residents to stay informed, heed travel advisories, and take necessary precautions to protect themselves, their family and their property.

The Greene County Health Department understands flooding causes significant disruptions and is a concern for many of you. Here’s some important information and safety tips to protect your health and your home.

Travel Safety During Floods

Avoid Flooded Roads: Never attempt to drive through standing or moving water. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
Turn Around, Don’t Drown: It’s impossible to judge the depth and strength of floodwater. Always seek an alternate route.
Stay Updated: Monitor local weather reports, road closures, and emergency alerts before traveling.
Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, extra batteries, and a first aid kit.

If Your Property is Flooding

Evacuate Safely: If flooding is imminent, move to higher ground and follow local evacuation orders.
Turn Off Utilities: Shut off gas and electricity if you can do so safely to prevent fires and electrocution.
Avoid Contact with Floodwaters: Floodwater can carry sewage, chemicals, and debris that pose serious health risks.

Special Precautions for Wells and/or Septic Systems Affected by Flooding

If your well is impacted by flooding:

Do Not Drink Well Water Until Tested: Floodwaters can contaminate well water with harmful bacteria and chemicals. Do not use your well water for drinking, cooking, or brushing your teeth until it has been tested and deemed safe.
Disinfect and Test the Well: Once floodwaters recede, have your well disinfected and tested for bacteria and contaminants before resuming use.
Free Well Water Test Kits Available: The Greene County Health Department is providing free well water test kits to individuals affected by floodwater. Please visit the health department to obtain your kit and ensure your water is safe.
Contact Professionals: Reach out to the Greene County Health Department or a licensed well-water contractor for guidance on safely restoring your well.

If your septic is impacted by flooding:

Refrain from Using Your Septic System: Avoid using your septic system until the floodwater has receded and the system has been professionally inspected. Using the system while it is flooded can cause sewage to back up into your home and contaminate the environment.
Professional Inspection: Once the floodwater has receded, have your septic system inspected by a professional to ensure it is functioning properly and has not been damaged.

Additional Safety Tips

Boil Water Advisory: If you must use well water before it is tested, boil it for at least one minute to kill any harmful bacteria.
Avoid Contact with Floodwater: Floodwater can contain hazardous substances. Avoid direct contact with it and wear protective clothing if you must enter flooded areas.
Disinfect Contaminated Areas: Clean and disinfect any areas of your home that have come into contact with floodwater. Use a mixture of bleach and water (1 cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water) to disinfect surfaces.
Monitor for Symptoms: Be aware of any symptoms of waterborne illnesses, such as diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.

For updates and emergency assistance, follow Greene County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Services and public health alerts. If you haven’t already, sign-up for Greene County’s Alert System (Reverse 911) to receive text emergency alerts and notifications that may affect your safety and property during disasters. Go to https://gcema.ddns.net/signup to register. For more information about Reverse 911 or flood safety, contact the health department at (812) 384-4496.