County Officials Offer Flood Update

Boil Water Order for Westfield Water Customers on Route 5 West of Walker Road

Precautions to Prevent Possible Illness from Flood Waters

MAYVILLE, NY – Monday night effective 11:30 p.m. Chautauqua County was hit with 5 inches of rain in a two hour period. This caused significant flooding primarily in the North End of the County. Some roads remain closed while repairs are made and debris is cleared. Driving remains hazardous due to ongoing rain events.

As of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, the following roads are still closed as a result of flooding and debris:

• New York State Route 60 from Bard Road/ County Touring Route 72 in the Village of Cassadaga to New York State Route 83 in the Town of Pomfret.

• New York State Route 5 from the Town of Ripley to Westfield and Brocton.

• Lake Avenue, between Pullman Street and Peerless Street, in the Village of Brocton.

Homes throughout Portland, Brocton and Westfield have experienced flooded basements and a Red Cross shelter remains open at the Westfield High School. The county executive declared a State of Emergency for the Town of Westfield, Village of Westfield, Town of Portland and Village of Brocton. Numerous resources and fire departments are assisting with the response. Please remain vigilant in your travels as roads may be hazardous. Watch out for Emergency Responders working along roadsides.

A Boil Water Order has also been issued for Westfield water customers on Route 5 west of Walker Road and they must boil all water for drinking and culinary purposes until further notice. A water main break caused a loss in pressure which increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes could enter the system. Boil all water for one minute and let it cool before using.  Use boiled or bottled water to drink, cook, brush teeth, wash dishes and make ice until further notice.

The Chautauqua County Department of Health & Human services recommends the following precautions to prevent possible illness from flood waters:

Flood waters may contain raw sewage which is associated with bacteria and viruses. Although skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, health hazards are a concern when waters become contaminated.

• Basic hygiene is critical. Wash your hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling articles contaminated with flood water or sewage.

• Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.

• Do not allow children to play in floodwater, mud or with toys that are contaminated by floodwater.

• Do not wade through standing water. If you do, bathe and put on clean clothes as soon as possible.

• If you have any open cuts or sores and cannot avoid contact with flood waters, keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap to control infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention. Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds and have not had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years require a tetanus booster.

• If there is a backflow of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard absorbent household materials, such as wall-coverings, cloth, rugs, and sheetrock. Clean walls and hard-surfaced floors with soap and water and disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Thoroughly disinfect food contact surfaces (counter tops, refrigerators, tables) and areas where small children play. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water. Air dry larger items in the sun and spray them with a disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting.

If your plumbing is functioning slowly or sluggishly, you should:

• Conserve water as much as possible; the less water used, the less sewage the septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine. Go to a laundromat. Rental of a portable toilet for a temporary period may be another option.

• Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the problem is high ground water, pumping the tank does nothing to solve that problem.

• If you cannot use your plumbing without creating a sanitary nuisance, i.e., without sewage being exposed, consider moving to a new location until conditions improve.

• Do not have the septic tank and drainfield repaired until the ground has dried. Often systems are completely functional when unsaturated conditions return. Any repair must be permitted and inspected by your county health department.

For further information, please visit www.co.chautauqua.ny.us or call the Chautauqua County HHS, Environmental Health Unit, at 716-753-4489.

For any medical emergencies or life threats contact 911.

For other information or assistance contact 211 for the latest event related information.

The Chautauqua County Emergency Operations Center has been activated and can be reached at 753-4341.

Further updates will follow as the situation warrants. A flood watch remains in effect for the rest of day. Please document any damages through pictures for further collection.