Emergency/Disaster Sanitation

Emergency Response  (Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, Chemical Spills, Fires, Flooding, ect.)    

We are not a first responder agency, but we do work collectively with local Sheriff’s Department, Police Department, Fire Department, or the Sauk County Emergency Management Department to maintain public safety. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

If you find yourself involved or affected by a natural disaster, severe weather, chemical spill, fire, flooding, or other emergency situation, here are some helpful practices that will help maintain your safety.

• If you have evacuated your home, consult with your electrical and gas provider to assure utilities have been restored and it is safe for reentry. If at any point during reentry you smell natural gas or propane, get outdoors immediately and call the gas company.
• Discard food which has been expired, distressed, or contaminated. If canned food is swelled or punctured, do not consume it. If foods requiring refrigeration are out of temperature control (between 41°F and 135°F) for greater than 6 hours, do not consume the food. If it is believed that the water quality was affected during this event, establish a different water source until it can be determined that the water is safe to drink.
• If you experience severe water damage in your home, items that remained saturated for greater than 2 days should be placed outside. These items should be dried in the sun and sprayed with a disinfectant, but sure to follow manufacturer's specifications. Remove, dry, and clean all porous materials (furniture, carpet, wood, cloth) to prevent the growth of mold.  Any materials (2x4’s, drywall, insulation) that are not able to be cleaned and have visible contamination should be removed and discarded. Use a bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach/1 gallons of water) to clean hard surfaces (counter tops, toys, tools, utensils). Proper Personal Protective Equipment should be worn.
• During reentry, be careful to avoid physical hazards such as sharp objects, broken glass, exposed nails, or other objects that could puncture or cut you. These objects can injure you and contaminate the wound with feces, soil or saliva.  Should a wound occur, consult your physician to determine if a tetanus booster is necessary.
• Avoid contact with any hazardous chemicals such as sewage, solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, acids, industrial chemicals, etc.. Know where these chemicals are stored in your home. If water levels reach these chemicals, do not enter or have contact with the water. Contact the authorities and wait to be advised.  
• Have a radio with an alternative power source available so that you are aware of any updates released by responding agencies to the media.