Areas East of Toledo, Kelleys Island Impacted by Flooding Monday

Extensive flooding impacted areas of northwest Ohio yesterday, including eastern Lucas County, parts of Ottawa County, and Lake Erie’s Kelleys Island. Residents are evaluating damage to homes, businesses, and roads, with Lucas County’s Jerusalem Township especially impacted. There was also more than 15 inches of rain that reportedly fell on Kelleys Island – a figure that has not yet been confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department shared the following release:

The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department is reminding residents to take precautions after recent flooding, especially in areas where homes, yards, basements, food, drinking water or personal belongings may have come in contact with floodwater.

Flood waters may contain high levels of raw sewage and other contaminants that may increase the risk of illness or injury. Residents are urged to avoid contact with floodwater whenever possible and to carefully clean, disinfect or dispose of items that may have been contaminated. 

Other safety tips include:

  • Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Do not eat or drink anything exposed to flood and sewer water.
  • Avoiding skin contact with flood and sewer water, especially if you have cuts, scrapes or open wounds.
  • Do not allow children to play in areas affected by floodwater and sewage backup or with toys that may have been contaminated by floodwater and have not been disinfected.
  • Remove standing water and dry indoor areas.
  • Clean walls, hard floors and other surfaces with soap and water. Use a mixture of 1 cup bleach and 1 gallon water to disinfect.
  • Remove and discard items that have been wet for more than 24-48 hours.

Flooding can damage septic systems, contaminate drinking water wells, bring mold and more. If you have a home septic system:

  • Limit water usage to give the septic system time to drain. You may experience back up until the soil can absorb the water again.
  • Do not go into a flood water that is near your septic system, as it may contain sewage.

If you have a well on your property and floodwater is over the top of your well head, you should not consume or come in contact with the contaminated water. Water used to flush toilets is allowed. Once the water recedes, chlorinate your well. Steps for chlorinating your well can be found here.

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