Department of Consumer Protection Offers Clean Up Guidance for Businesses Impacted by Flash Flooding

HARTFORD - The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is providing guidance for businesses impacted by severe flooding.

Restaurants, package stores, grocery stores, and affected businesses that sustained damage to their inventory should follow guidance for cleaning up and destroying goods to prevent contaminated products from being sold.

"In response to the flash flooding over the weekend, we are providing advice to impacted businesses and residents as they recover," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "We understand the challenges that emergencies can create for businesses as they navigate their next steps. If you are a business owner and unsure of what to do with your damaged inventory, such as food or alcohol products, you may reach out to us for assistance. In the meantime, we will continue to work with state partners to ensure communities are informed."

When cleaning up debris, you should:

• Wear a dust mask or N-95 respirator while cleaning up: Wear protective gloves, eyewear, footwear, and steel toe waterproof boots if available.

• Wear protective headphones or earplugs if using loud equipment

• Do not run gas-powered equipment inside buildings: Carbon monoxide can quickly build up when using generators, chainsaws, and leaf blowers inside garages or buildings.

• Bring your bug spray:Consider carrying a bug spray with DEET. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitos.

• Use caution around standing water: Standing water could be energized from electrical wires, contain sewage, oil, or other hazardous materials.

• Take all medications: If you have medical conditions, such as asthma, heart, or lung conditions, be sure to have taken all prescribed medications and if you require inhalers, keep them with you while at work.

• Stay cool and take frequent breaks: Try to stay cool by taking frequent breaks in shaded areas, drinking plenty of water and nonalcoholic fluids. Also remember to wear light and loose-fitting clothing.
  
  

For businesses with damaged food products

Businesses impacted by flash flooding are advised to follow the recommended remediation steps to address safety and operational concerns. Owners can review our step-by-step guide of what to do before reopening their business.

For information on how to save undamaged food products exposed to flood water, visit: https://portal.ct.gov/dcp/knowledge-base/articles/food-and-standards/food-safety-tips-during-flood-recovery?language=en_US

Business owners who need additional guidance or support can contact their local health department or DCP Food and Standards Division by sending an email to [email protected]

For businesses with damaged alcohol products

Liquor premises should not resell products that were submerged in water when sealed with screwcaps, crimp tops, and pop tops as those items can be too difficult to fully sanitize. Products should be dumped out entirely or thrown away in a locked dumpster.

Learn more about how to securely store uncontaminated alcohol.

Businesses with a liquor permit may contact the DCP Liquor Control Division at [email protected]