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The Hawaii Department of Health is urging residents to watch for health risks associated with flooding, storm runoff, power outages and cleanup following Tropical Storm Lala.
Brown water advisory
A statewide brown water advisory remains in effect because of heavy rainfall and storm runoff. Residents should avoid brown or discolored coastal waters and streams, which may contain elevated levels of pollutants.
The department recommends staying out of affected waters for 48 to 72 hours after rainfall has ended and the area has received full sunshine.
Power outages and food safety
Food may be unsafe after a power outage even if it looks or smells normal. Residents should discard food that has come into contact with floodwater and perishable food that has been warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Refrigerated food generally remains safe for less than four hours without power. Food may last up to 24 hours in a half-full freezer or 48 hours in a full, unopened freezer. Frozen food that still contains ice crystals and has not thawed does not need to be discarded.
Residents should never taste food to determine whether it is safe. When in doubt, throw it out.
Floodwater safety
People should avoid wading or swimming in floodwater and should not drink from freshwater streams or ponds, which may contain bacteria that cause leptospirosis.
Anyone exposed to floodwater should wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible, clean and cover wounds, and wash contaminated clothing in hot water with detergent. Medical care should be sought for wounds when necessary.
Flooded electric vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicle batteries that have been submerged may be damaged even when there are no visible warning signs.
Residents should not charge or drive a flooded vehicle until it has been inspected by a dealer or certified electric-vehicle or hybrid mechanic. A potentially damaged vehicle should not be stored indoors or near a building because its battery could catch fire or release hazardous gases.
Mold cleanup
Mold can begin growing quickly after flooding. People cleaning mold should wear gloves, an N95 mask, boots and eye protection.
The department recommends cleaning moldy surfaces with soap and water and then disinfecting them with a solution of 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water. Bleach should never be mixed with ammonia or other cleaning products.
Carpets, mattresses, upholstery and other porous materials that have been wet for more than 24 to 48 hours and cannot be properly cleaned should be discarded.
When to seek help
Medical attention may be needed for infected wounds, persistent coughing or breathing problems, stomach illness following an exposure, or fever, rash, headache or joint pain after contact with floodwater or mosquito bites. A tetanus booster also may be recommended for contaminated wounds.
People experiencing anxiety, depression or trauma-related symptoms during recovery may call or text Hawaii CARES at 988 at any time.
Additional storm cleanup and health information is available at health.hawaii.gov/response-center/emergency/hurricane-preparedness/.