As of May 31 at 3 p.m.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The flood water will go down eventually and with it, a number of issues will be left behind. That includes possible contamination to private water wells.
Most wells that are inundated with flood water will need to be cleaned to make sure no coliform bacteria which can leche into the well especially on farmsteads where there is animal waste from livestock. There are a number of steps that must be taken to disinfect a well.
According to the Reno County Health Department, the well cover will need to be removed and the well flushed out with bleach. A mixture of water and bleach must be placed in the system and then allowed to sit for a period of time. Once that time has passed the mixture must be run through the entire system until the bleach is removed. The entire system must then shut down for up to 24 hours before it is safe to use.
Its also recommended that pumps motors and all electrical systems be checked for any possible damage. The KDH&E recommends that the well be tested again one week after the clean up is completed.
Until the water is deemed safe residents should use bottled water.
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HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Proper cleaning and sanitation of your household after a flood is important to prevent the spread of
illnesses and diseases associated with flooding.
To disinfected items that have been in floodwaters, you should wipe down all surfaces with soap and
clean warm water to remove all of the dirt and debris. Next, sanitize the same surfaces with a
bleach/clean water mixture. The Bleach/Water ratio should be 1 cup of bleach to 5 gallons of clean
water. If you are cleaning up items that have mold growing on it, you should clean it with a Bleach/Water ratio of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of clean water. Do not to mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners when cleaning.
It’s important to wear personal protective equipment such as rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles to
protect your eyes, and a mask while doing clean up. For ventilation open windows and doors to
reduce the amount of fumes in your work area.
The Reno County Health Department has compiled several documents for you regarding flood
recovery at https://www.renogov.org/643/Emergency-Disaster .
For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/bleach.html or contact the Reno County
Health Department at 620-694-2900.
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NICKERSON, Kan. — Residents in Nickerson continue to deal with record flooding with most of the city inundated by water.
According to the Nickerson city offices, water service is still on but residents are being asked to conserve as much as possible and not overload the storm or sanitary sewer system. K-14 is still open for residents only. Sand and sandbags are available.
The city also reports that the Salvation Army will be on site starting at 11 a.m. Saturday morning and running through at least the noon hour at City Hall. The Salvation Army will provide sandwiches and drink along with disaster recovery kits.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — After only one person used the shelter Thursday night, the Red Cross announced it has placed the shelter at the Trinity United Methodist Church on standby.
Due to water service being shut off to several apartment complexes in South Hutchinson, the Red Cross expected a number of residents to use the shelter. With the continued flooding, the shelter will still be available if the need arises. If you feel you need the shelter, you can call Reno County Emergency Management at 620-694-2974 or call 911. You can also call the Red Cross at 1-844-334-7569.
Those coming to a shelter should bring essential items with them such as medications, food to meet special dietary needs, identification and other important personal documents that might be needed later, extra clothing, pillows, blankets and special items for elderly or disabled persons.
The role of the Red Cross in any disaster is to address the immediate needs of those affected. In this stage of the disaster, they are providing a safe place to stay in shelters, meals, comfort and support in response to the urgent needs of the communities affected.
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is activating its disaster program and can offer assistance to those not able to physically or financially recover from the flood.
Any resident who feels they would qualify for assistance needs to call 2-1-1 and let them know they live in Reno County and are requesting assistance from the floods. Applications will be taken through July 31.
The organization is also looking for volunteers to assist with the cleanup. If you or a group you represent are interested in volunteering, please contact The Volunteer Center at 620-665-4960 for more information.
Donations are also needed. Please mail donations to the Reno County VOAD Disaster Relief Fund in care of United Way of Reno County at P.O. Box 2230, Hutchinson, KS 67504, stop by the office at 924 N. Main in Hutchinson or call 2-1-1.