LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Due to recent flooding conditions, Lake County residents may be starting the process of cleaning up.

When cleaning up after a flood, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to take the necessary precautions to ensure you and your family are returning to a healthy indoor environment.

Consider your personal safety and be cautious by taking the following steps:

• Wear protective clothing. Rubber gloves and boots will help protect you from bacteria and possible infections.

• Avoid putting your hands near your face or mouth when working.

• Be sure the main power source to your home or business is turned off.

• Check for shifts in the house or building and cracks in the foundation.

• Open doors and windows to help dry out the rooms.

• Remove any standing water. Water soaked grounds can cause a collapse of basement walls.

• Hose down walls as quickly as possible and follow up with a second hosing using one cup of household bleach to five gallons of water. Disinfect surfaces, like shelves.

• Appliances that contain insulation cannot be easily cleaned. Have them checked by a service person before attempting to use.

• Remove all soaked materials and furnishings. Fully upholstered furnishings and mattresses cannot be cleaned and should be destroyed to avoid health problems.

• Carpets and rugs may be cleaned. Permanently attached carpeting should be removed before attempting to clean. Clean items out of doors or have them done professionally.

• Items like sheets, bedspreads, curtains and draperies should be washed with very hot water and detergents, or professionally dry-cleaned.

• Any flooded food items should be discarded unless they are in undamaged cans or commercially sealed glass jars. Sanitize the container before opening it.

• Sanitize pots, pans, utensils, dishes, glassware and other items you intend to keep.

If you have individual well water system please remember to get it tested for contamination. For more information, residents may call the Environmental Health Division at 707-263-1164.