In the aftermath of the February 28, 2011 storm and with more rain in the forecast for the coming weekend, the Muncie Sanitary District urges all citizens to follow these simple tips on protecting your homes and property:

1) Remove any debris (mud, leaves, trash etc.) from the storm drains or inlets in front of your home and along curbs.  This debris can clog the inlets and storm drains whose function is to drain the road and property of water.  If you have neighbors who are unable to do this for themselves, clear the debris from theirs as well.  Bag this material and place it inside your Toter.
 
2) Protect your home by installing a “backflow prevention valve” This should be installed outside of the basement into the lateral going to the main sewer. An operating backflow prevention valve should keep a main sewer from backing up into your home, 
 
3) For more information and/or illustrations please visit: http://www.munciesanitary.org/sanitation-sewers/sewer-issues-and-information/
 
4) The last recommended response is an expansion plug. This is the least effective way to prevent sewer back up in your home but does these plugs do work. This option is strictly to plug floor drains that may back up in your basement such as a shower or toilet drain.
 
5) Contaminated items should be disposed of properly and the contaminated area disinfected with diluted bleach water or a commercial grade disinfectant.  It’s also important to wear rubber gloves and breathing protection .
 
6) Use extreme caution in areas where electrical service exists.

 

For additional information on this and other important subjects please visit our web site at www.munciesanitary.org.