SAFETY INFORMATION
Who do I call for emergencies after regular works hours?
Call (330) 874-3262, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If the call is after normal work hours, your call will be directed to our after-hours answering service who will forward your information to our on-call staff who will return the call as soon as possible.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR BASEMENT FLOODS
The Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District does all that is possible to prevent these occurrences, but it still happens on occasions. A number of factors can cause a basement flooding, such as site drainage problems, a sewer blockage, or an unusual rain event that overwhelms the sewer system.
At the first sign of trouble, such as water backing up in a basement drain, call our office at (330) 874-3262. Operators are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A crew will be dispatched as soon as possible to check the areas mainline sewer for a blockage.
If the problem is found to be in the service to your structure, you will be advised to call a private sewer cleaning or plumbing company. Property owners are responsible for maintenance of the sewer line from the house to the main sewer.
Notify your homeowners or renters insurance agent as soon as possible. If you rent your home, also notify the property owner or maintenance company.
SAFETY INFORMATION TO KNOW
Because dealing with a flooded area can be dangerous, extra safety precautions should be taken and common sense used
Because electrocution is always a danger in a flooded basement, wait until the water recedes before clean up is started. If you do decide to walk in the water, make sure the electricity is shut off at the main box.
Floodwater may be contaminated. Rubber boots and gloves should be worn to minimize skin contact. Do not smoke, eat, or touch your face while in a flooded area. If you receive an open wound while working in a flooded area, seek medical attention immediately.
Do not allow children or pets near a flooded area.
Remember that flooded areas are slippery, even after the water recedes.
In almost all cases of basement flooding, city tap water will remain safe. However, whether you have city or well water, do not turn on any faucets below the flood level until the water recedes. If you think that your well water may have been contaminated, call the Health Department. Do not use water that may not be safe for any reason. To disinfect, boil it in a clean container for at least 2 minutes.
If a gas odor is present, do not touch any switches or phones. Leave the area immediately, leaving the doors open to ventilate. Call the fire department and gas company from a safe location.
If the furnace or appliances have become wet, have them serviced by a qualified technician.
Do not eat any food that may have been contaminated.
Discard any medicines, cosmetics and other personal products that came into contact with the floodwater
CLEAN UP INSTRUCTIONS
Unfortunately, the Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District cannot assist with the cleanup of private property. Extra assistance can be found in the Yellow Pages phone book under "house cleaning - interior". After the water recedes, follow these cleanup instructions:
Move items out of flooded area as soon as possible
Allow wet items to air-dry as quickly as possible to prevent odor and mildew.
Open doors and windows. If your furnace or air conditioner is safe to use, turn it on to help dry things out and use fans if possible.
Remove all toxic chemicals such as pesticides from the flooded area to prevent pollution and the mixing of chemicals.
If possible, locate the floor drain to make sure nothing is covering it that could prevent drainage.
Disinfect all areas and equipment that came into contact with the floodwater with a solution of 8 tablespoons of liquid chlorine bleach to a gallon of water. Let everything air dry
Foam rubber mattresses and pillows can be washed, disinfected and air-dried in the sun. If in doubt that an item can be cleaned properly, it is best to discard it.
NEVER MIX BLEACH WITH AMMONIA - THE FUMES PRODUCED ARE TOXIC
HOW TO AVOID WATER IN THE BASEMENT
Report the first sign of any sewer or drainage problems, such as water rising up your basement floor drain or water not draining properly, to the Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District at (330) 874-3262. Operators are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. While the problem may be in your home sewer line and may require a private plumber, have a county crew check it first to see if it is in the county sewer (mainline or street sewer).
Never pour grease, paint, or other thick liquids down your drains. Not only is it harmful to your pipes, it can cause a blockage in the service lateral or main sewer in your area.
Never flush items not suitable for wastewater treatment, i.e. diaper wipes, birth control and feminine products.
Check your gutter downspouts to make sure they are not connected to the sanitary sewer. When it rains, this adds extra water volume to the sanitary sewers and by regulation is a prohibited connection.
Check the grading around your house to make sure the dirt slopes away not toward the structure.
If you have mature trees in your yard, consider periodic sewer treatment for root control to prevent them from entering your service line. (The County performs this service on mainlines as part of its preventative maintenance).
Be aware when you buy a home if it is in or near a flood plain or flood prone area. Check your property deed and area elevations. Homes at lower elevations in flood prone areas may be more vulnerable to experiencing occurrences of water in basement
Check your homeowner's insurance policy to verify that water damage coverage is included. If you lease your home, consider renters insurance to protect your possessions.
