Tips to stay safe from the Dangers of Floodwater

6/1/2021 (Permalink)

Knowing what to do if you are affected by a flood can save you from much injury and repair costs. Not only is a flood a costly disaster but diseases, chemical threats, and injuries are a likely consequence of a flooding event no matter how large or small. 

Health Consequence of Exposure to Floodwater

Not only is safety key but so is your health, here are some health-related risk due to flooding if exposed to contaminated water or materials:

• Wound infections
• Skin rash
• Gastrointestinal illness
• Tetanus
• Leptospirosis (not common)

Floodwaters and Safety

When a flood event occurs a number of losses can come to play as well. Be careful of the following safety issues if affected by a flood:

• Downed power lines
• Waste from humans or animals
• Hazardous waste such as chemical, biological, and radiological
• Contaminants that can cause illness
• Physical objects such as wood, glass, or metals

If entering a home or business that is flooded you can easily injure yourself with objects such as metal fragments left behind, glass with sharp edges that may have broke in the event. This debris can cause injuries or even infection if wounded by such objects. On top of that, it is possible in the event of a flood, electrical hazards are a huge concern. Be very careful if you must enter a home or business in the event of a flood.