Beyond the Flood: A Prevention Guide for Personal Health and Safety

The physical devastation that accompanies a flood is enormous. But as the flood waters recede, there may be more threats to your personal health and safety. By taking some basic precautions, you can help prevent many injuries as well as the possibilities of some diseases.

In the midst of all this water, remember that it is summer, and heat will play a major role in your personal health. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and do not wait to get thirsty. When possible, take a break, being careful not to get any more exhausted than you think you already may be. Do not add heat stress to your other problems.

The weeks after a flood are going to be rough. In addition to your physical health, you need to take some time to consider your mental health as well. Remember that some sleeplessness, anxiety, anger, hyperactivity, mild depression or lethargy are normal and may go away with time. If you feel any of these symptoms acutely, seek some counseling. Your state and local health departments or county extension office will help you find the local resource you need.

In addition to the information provided, local and state health departments may have health advisories particular to your location.

Animals
Many wild animals have been forced from their natural habitats by flooding, and many domestic animals are also without homes after the flood. Take care to avoid these animals because some may carry rabies.

Remember, most animals are disoriented and displaced. Do not corner an animal. If an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control authorities. Your state and local health departments can provide information about the type of wild animals that carry rabies in your area.

Rats may be a problem during and after a flood. Take care to secure all food supplies, and remove any animal carcass in the vicinity by contacting your local animal control authorities.

If you are bitten by any animal, seek immediate medical attention. If you are bitten by a snake, first try to accurately identify the type of snake so that, if poisonous, the correct anti-venom may be administered.

Chemical Hazards
Use extreme caution when returning to your area after a flood. Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery. Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers from their normal storage place, including solvents, aerosol cans and industrial chemicals.

If any propane tanks (whether 20-pound tanks from a gas grill or household propane tanks) or drums are discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself. These represent a very real threat, and police or fire departments should be contacted immediately.

Also, car batteries, while flooded, may still contain an electrical charge and should be removed with extreme caution, using insulated gloves.

Mosquitoes
The large amount of pooled water remaining after the food will lead to an increase in mosquito populations. The majority of these mosquitoes will be pests but will not carry communicable diseases.

Protect yourself from mosquitoes by using screens on dwellings, wearing long-sleeved and long-legged clothing, and using repellents containing DEET for personal protection. DEET is a common insect repellent chemical found in many repellent products. Products containing DEET are available from retail outlets and through local and state health departments.

Also after the flood, do not forget to drain all standing water left in containers around your home, an effective measure for controlling the mosquito population in the weeks ahead. Public health authorities will be monitoring the situation to gauge the spread of any mosquito-based disease.

Swiftly Flowing Water
If you enter swiftly flowing water, you risk drowning-- regardless of your ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Also, do not rely on cars or other vehicles to protect you from floodwaters. In fact, people are more likely to drown inside a vehicle.

Water Quality
Listen for public announcements on the safety of the municipal water supply. Flooded private water wells will need to be tested and disinfected after floodwaters recede. Questions about testing should be directed to your local or state health departments or county extension office.

Water for Drinking and Cooking
Water that might be contaminated should be boiled. It is safe to drink water that is bottled, boiled or treated. Specific recommendations will vary from state to state. Here are some general rules concerning your drinking water. If in doubt, contact your state or local health department.
Remember:
* Bottled water should be obtained from known origins.
* If origin is unknown, water should be boiled for at least 2 to 5 minutes and sometimes up to 10 minutes.
* Water may be treated by mixing five drops (1/8 teaspoon) of household bleach per gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly, and let stand for about 30 minutes. However, this treatment will not kill parasite organisms. Continue to drink boiled water until water can be tested.
* Do not use contaminated water to make ice, brush your teeth or wash dishes.

Disinfecting Wells
If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, hire a water well service to disinfect it or do the job yourself. Contact your local or state health department or county extension office for advice.

Cleanup
Walls and hard-surfaced floors should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of 1/4 cup (2 ounces) of bleach to one gallon of water. Be particularly careful to thoroughly disinfect food contact surfaces (counter tops, pantry shelves, refrigerators, etc.) and areas where small children play. Wash all linen and clothing in hot water, or dry clean them. For items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting.

Immunizations
Outbreaks of communicable diseases after floods are unusual. While the rate of diseases that were present before a flood may increase because of decreased medication or overcrowding among displaced persons, increases in infectious diseases that were not present in the community before the flood are not usually a problem. Anyone receiving a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil or saliva during a flood recovery should have a doctor determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary.

Specific recommendations for vaccinations should be made on a case-by-case basis or as determined by local and state health departments.

Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention