WASTE FIRM GIVES HELPFUL ADVICE TO GLOUCESTERSHIRE FLOOD VICTIMS

National waste management company HIPPOWASTE™ has come forward to offer advice to the victims of the recent destructive floods in Gloucestershire on how to deal with waste and debris safely in the aftermath of the flooding.

“As a company that not only regularly deals with the clearance of waste from properties but also partners reactive maintenance companies, we wanted to help in the most effective way we can,” said James Bennett, chief executive of HIPPOWASTE™. “By providing advice to those affected, we hope to help ease the huge clear up task ahead and ensure it is undertaken safely and carefully.”

Although infection problems caused by flooding in the UK are rare, it is naturally worth taking some precautions. Useful tips from HIPPOWASTE™ include:

• Be aware that any item that has come into contact with flood water has the potential to be contaminated
• Wear protective clothing, including waterproof boots and gloves
• Cover any cuts or bruises, e.g. with waterproof plasters
• Keep children and pets away from waste or contaminated items
• Don’t try and use any electrical items unless they have been safety checked
• Dry items are much less likely to contain harmful contaminants so ventilate, heat and dry your home as quickly as possible
• Clean any hard surfaces with hot soapy water and bleach as a disinfectant
• For insurance purposes, keep records of all your waste items, where possible keep the items together so they can be quickly checked by a loss adjustor, and take photographs where possible
• For full information contact your local council, the Environment Agency or the Health Protection Agency.

If you have suffered from the recent floods, need further advice or would like to find more out about the solutions available from HIPPOWASTE™ to assist you in the clear up, call 0870 880 2430 or visit www.hippowaste.co.uk