Ideas for Using the Hurricane Kit - Family Hurricane Kit, Weather Research Center

TMWeather Research Center
5104 Caroline St Houston, Texas 77004 Phone: 713-529-3076 Fax: 713-528-3538 E-mail: wrc@wxresearch.org

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Ideas for Using the Hurricane Kit 2002

AFTER THE STORM

Bleach and Rinse
- Purifying Water
- Mix with water to sterilize kitchen utensils
- For general cleanup after the storm
- To prevent mold & mildew
Purifying Water: No matter what the emergency, fresh water is always useful. When boiling water is not possible, you can disinfect water with bleach. Filter water, letting particles settle out. Pour off clear water and add 16 drops of regular bleach per gallon of water or 1 teaspoon per 5 gallons of water. Mix well, then wait 30 minutes. Water should have a slight bleach odor; if not, repeat and wait 15 more minutes.
Interior Water Damage: Mildew generally abounds after water damage, so it's important to get surfaces dried and disinfected quickly. Clean and disinfect hard surfaces, such as floors, walls and counters as soon as flood waters recede. Remove loose debris, then wash down the area with a mixture of 3/4 cup regular bleach per gallon of water to clean and kill germs.
Kitchen Items & Food Safety: Flood damage can contaminate items throughout your kitchen. To disinfect dishes by hand, remove visible dirt, then soak for 2 minutes in a mixture of 3/4 cup regular bleach per gallon of water. Rinse well with purified water. Discard all soft plastic and porous items, such as wooden spoons and cutting boards, baby bottle nipples and pacifiers, which may have absorbed contaminants.
Outdoor Items: In an emergency situation, damaged items outside the home should be disinfected. For exterior surfaces contaminated with flood waters, first clean the area with a power hose, then apply a mixture of 3/4 cup regular bleach per gallon of water. Keep the surfaces wet with the solution for 2-10 minutes then rinse thoroughly. And don't forget, children's toys, play equipment and outdoor furniture that have come in contact with contaminated waters need disinfecting, too.

Weather Research Center
5104 Caroline St. Houston, Texas 77004
(713) 529-3076
E-mail wrc@wxresearch.org