NJ flood victims should trash food, assume well water is unsafe

The long clean-up continues for hundreds of people affected by this week's severe storms in South Jersey.

Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday declared a state of emergency in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties the morning after rains inundated some neighborhoods. The Red Cross this weekend was distributing emergency supplies. (See more about that below.)

Rescuers had to reach dozens of people by boat. The rains flooded roads and submerged some vehicles. No serious injuries or deaths were reported.

Burlington County health officials on Friday warned homeowners who rely on wells that they should consider their water contaminated. Residents also were advised to throw out any canned foods that may have come in contact with flood water.

Homes with wells should boil their water — five minutes at a high boil — before drinking.

Wells that were fully submerged should not be used at all for drinking, food preparation or washing until testing confirms that the well has not been contaminated. Click here for more information. A certified well driller will have to decontaminate the well after the flood water recedes.

A dumpster floats on floodwater along Broadway in Westville, N.J. Thursday, June 20, 2019. Severe storms containing heavy rains and strong winds spurred flooding across southern New Jersey, disrupting travel and damaging some property. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Lakes and other bodies of water in flood areas should also be avoided until the water is tested.

Health officials say all food that touched flood waters should be thrown out, including canned goods because there's no way to tell whether a can was punctured or compromised before or during the flood.

Dishes, utensils and cookware should be disinfected with bleach.

People cleaning up after a flood should use gloves, boots and goggles and wash their hands carefully with clean water.