Flood Water Contamination - 2

A tough looking cowboy walks up to a bar and says, "Barkeep, I want a glass
of milk."
"Milk! That's not a drink for a tough cowboy," says the Barkeep.
The cowboy snarls, "Give it to me in a dirty glass."

As mentioned yesterday, pollutants remain after the flood waters have receded. Often overlooked is the danger of eating and drinking with contaminated utensils, serving food on dirty plates, preparing food on uncleaned counter tops, and cooking in flood touched pots and pans.

Wash all dishes and utensils in hot, soapy water with a brush to remove dirt. Sanitize glass, ceramic and china dishes, glass baby bottles, and empty canning jars in the same way as for undamaged cans. Dishes with deep cracks should be thrown away. Metal pans and utensils can be disinfected by immersing them in water and boiling for 10 minutes or run them through the dishwasher when power returns.
- University of Maine Cooperative Extension

Consider also that the water you're washing and cleaning with can itself be contaminated.
If your well has been flooded or surface water has entered your well, the water needs to be treated with a chlorination treatment. Unless you are absolutely certain your water supply is not contaminated, purify all water before using it for drinking, preparing food, brushing teeth, or washing dishes. If the water contains sediment or floating material, strain it through a cloth before purifying it. If you have access to heat or power, water can be made safe by boiling for 10 minutes. If not, you will have to treat it with chemicals like iodine.

Bottom Line
After a flood, assume your home water is contaminated until you've tested your well or local officials have announced that town water is safe to drink. Disinfect everything that plays a role in food preparation.