Health Department urges New Mexicans near recent fires to be prepared

Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
Published: 15 June 2018 15 June 2018

SANTA FE, NM – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) advises residents to take the time to ensure they are prepared for flooding, especially near areas with burn scars from wildfires.
 
Wildfire-related burn scars are charred, barren strips of land annihilated by the fire where, without vegetation, nothing remains to hold the land in place when rainfall comes.

According to the National Weather Service, due in large part to the remnants of Tropical Storm Bud, "recent burn scars are extraordinarily susceptible to flash flooding or debris flows due to heavy rainfall and impacts on and near the Buzzard Fire, Bluewater/Diener Canyon scars as well as the Ute Park Fire and Soldier Canyon Fire look likely into the weekend."
 
New Mexico residents in these should be prepared for significant rainfall and possible flash flooding in the coming days, with late Friday through Saturday night predicted to be the most critical period for flooding. The greatest potential will be in the southwest and west-central mountains, but localized flash flooding can happen anywhere. For more information, visit http://afterwildfirenm.org/.
 
If you live or are traveling in these areas, NMDOH advises you to take these steps if you are under a flood watch or warning:

  • Gather the emergency supplies you previously stocked in your home and stay tuned to local radio or television station for updates.
  • Turn off all utilities at the main power switch and close the main gas valve if evacuation appears necessary.
  • Have your immunization records handy or be aware of your last tetanus shot, in case you should receive a puncture wound or a wound becomes contaminated during or after the flood.
  • Fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach. Rinse and fill with clean water.
  • Bring outdoor possessions, such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside or tie them down securely.

Residents with private wells should take proactive steps before the flood and be ready to take action after the flood if a well ends up flooding.
 
Before the flood:

  • Use sand bags to divert water away from the well
  • For capped wells, wrap the vent with a tarp and duct tape
  • For well heads in pits, protect it using plywood, sheet plastic/tarps and sand bags
  • If flooding is imminent, turn off all utilities at the main power switch

After flooding:

  • Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock
  • Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick
  • Disinfect your well or hire contractor to do this
  • After disinfection, pump your well until water becomes clear
  • Get the water rested for bacteria before resuming use for drinking water even if the well did not get overtopped.
  • IMPORTANT: If any part of the electrical system or control box has been submerged, avoid risk of electrocution and do not attempt to restart the well by yourself, call a professional well servicer.

More information on how protecting your well from floods and what to do afterward can be found on the Department's website at https://nmtracking.org/epht-view/environment/water/private_wells/Resources.html.

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