Follow these tips to remain healthy after flooding
Residents should be aware that flooding can do more than destroy property. It also can carry serious health risks. Basic hygiene is crucial after a hurricane or another heavy rain event.
Avoid direct contact
First, do your best to avoid direct contact with floodwaters, period. Floodwater can contain sewage, industrial waste, and other hazardous substances and hidden dangers.
People who come into contact with floodwater should thoroughly rinse any exposed body parts with soap and clean water. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used, but remember, they do not kill all germs. Hand sanitizers are not helpful if hands are visibly dirty.
You may need to use bottle water
Brushing your teeth after a water-related emergency should only be done with clean, safe water. Bottled water is recommended for brushing teeth.
Watch for open cuts
If you have any cuts or sores that come into contact with floodwater, make sure you wash the area well with soap. If a wound develops redness or begins to swell, seek immediate medical attention. Puncture wounds and lacerations also may require a trip to the doctor for a tetanus vaccine or a booster.
Be aware of boil water notices
If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water to mix baby formula. Wash your hands with soap before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, if you handle objects pulled from floodwaters or sewage, or participate in flood cleanup operations.
Contaminated food and water
Avoid eating or drinking anything that has been contaminated with floodwaters.
Individuals who have compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria that can cause a fatal infection. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, fast or high heart rate, confusion, or disorientation.
Floodwaters can affect wells too
If your drinking water well is affected by floodwaters, there may be disease-causing organisms in your water, making it unsafe to drink. A professional should be consulted.
Washing laundry
Wash clothing or linens exposed to floodwaters in hot water, heavy-duty detergent, and bleach to fight any bacterial contamination. For colored clothing or linens, use color-safe bleach. Follow detergent and bleach product instructions for how much to use.
Discard items
Any items soaked with floodwaters that can't be cleaned or dried completely within 24 to 48 hours should be disposed of.