Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit - Media Release - April 6, 2023

Some areas throughout Leeds, Grenville and Lanark are experiencing power outages and localized flooding. This may affect your health.

We have a number of factsheets to help you with tips for recovery: Emergency Safety Fact Sheets - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Power outages can affect your food in fridges and freezers. If your power is restored, there are some tips to help you determine the safety of your food: What_Do_I_Save_What_Do_I_Throw_Away_When_Power_Is_Out.pdf (healthunit.org)

For those who have experienced flooding in their homes or on their properties, there are some tips you may need to help you stay safe during clean up: Flooding.pdf (healthunit.org)

For those with private wells or small drinking water systems, localized flooding may affect the safety of drinking water. Until your water can be tested, you may need to boil water or find an alternative safe source.  If you are using a treatment system check to make sure the system is working properly.  Get more info here: Drinking Water Precautions - Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit

Thawing and rain has caused localized flooding on some properties.  If your septic system has been affected by flooding, limit water use (quick showers instead of baths, avoid using the dishwasher, garbage disposal and washing machine and flush your toilets only when necessary. For addition tips, visit: 3170_36 What to Do When Flood Waters Have Affected Your Septic System (healthunit.org)

If you are still without power and using a generator ensure that it is located in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, tasteless gas. Some symptoms to watch for include tiredness, headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, mental confusion, impaired vision and hearing, and loss of strength. For more information about Carbon Monoxide please see our fact sheet

Because the storms and flooding have affected areas differently, we encourage you to check on family, friends and neighbours. For more information about recovery after the storm, call us at 1-800-660-5853 or connect with us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @LGLHealthUnit. We are also now on Instagram @lglhealthunit.z. We encourage you to share our social media messages with friends and throughout your municipality.