Nothing is more important than personal loss, the loss of home, business and transportation can impact lives in unimaginable ways. As the climate changes and becomes less predictable, being prepared is the best way to protect families, homes and businesses.

The Department of Consumer Protection is providing the following guidance for businesses impacted by severe flooding. Businesses such as restaurants, package stores, or grocery stores that sustained damage to their inventory should follow guidance for cleaning up and destroying damaged goods to prevent contaminated products from being sold.

This guidance can also serve individual homeowners. Always remember that storms give scammers an opening to take advantage of tragedy. If someone approaches you to “help” you recover, make sure contractors are registered with DCP, and avoid anyone who does not have a business card, an identified truck, or can’t provide references.

Tips for recovering after a storm, and preparing for the next:

Before traveling, visit ctroads.org to familiarize yourself with the locations of roads that are flooded or washed out and seek an alternate route.

If you assist your community with clean-up efforts the tips below will help you remain safe while working.

General Safety Tips

• When cleaning up debris and during demolition:

o Wear a dust mask or N-95 respirator.

o Wear eye protection.

o Wear protective footwear, steel-toe, and waterproof boots if available.

o Use protective gloves, and never clean up hazardous materials.

o Wear protective headphones or earplugs if using loud equipment.

• Do not run gas-powered equipment inside buildings: Carbon monoxide can quickly build up when using generators, chainsaws, and leaf blowers inside garages or buildings.
• Bring your bug spray: Consider carrying bug spray with DEET. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos.
• Use caution around standing water: Standing water could be energized from electrical wires, or contain sewage, oil, or other hazardous materials.
• Take all medications: If you have medical conditions, such as asthma, heart, or lung conditions, be sure to have taken all prescribed medications and if you require inhalers, keep them with you while at work.
• Stay cool and take frequent breaks: Try to stay cool by taking frequent breaks in shaded areas, and drinking plenty of water and nonalcoholic fluids. Also, remember to wear light and loose-fitting clothing.

Business owners who need additional guidance or support can contact the Department of Consumer Protection’s Food and Standards division by emailing dcp.foodandstandards@ct.gov.

Please pass this on to family and friends and remember that a smart consumer is an informed consumer.

This article was written by Catherine Blinder, chief education and outreach officer of the Department of Consumer Protection of the State of Connecticut. To learn more about how the Department of Consumer Protection can help, visit us at www.ct.gov/dcp.