Dangers Associated with Flood Water

10/26/2017 (Permalink)

Avoid Flood waters, Stay Safe., SERVPRO of South Garland (972) 278-7871

Dangers Associated with Flood Water

Health Risks

Flood waters and standing waters pose various health risks, 

Practice good hygiene (handwashing) after contact with flood waters.

• Do not allow children to play in flood water areas.
• Wash children’s hands frequently (always before meals).
• Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected.

Wound Infections

Open wounds and rashes exposed to flood waters can become infected. To protect yourself and your family,

• Avoid exposure to flood waters if you have an open wound.
• Cover clean, open wounds with a waterproof bandage to reduce chance of infection.
• Keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing well with soap and clean water.
• If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.

Chemical Hazards

Be aware of potential chemical hazards during floods. Flood waters may have moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.

Injuries

Drowning

Flood water poses drowning risks for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim. Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children.

Vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or may stall in moving water.

Animal and Insect Bites

Flood waters can displace animals, insects, and reptiles. To protect yourself and your family, be alert and avoid contact.

Electrical Hazards

Avoid downed power lines.

Wounds

Flood waters may contain sharp objects, such as glass or metal fragments, that can cause injury and lead to infection.

SERVPRO of South Garland wants to remind you that avoiding flood water is the best way to keep yourself safe in a flood, but if you cannot avoid going into the water remember to get clean wash your hands as soon as possible, shower, and dispose of the clothes you were wearing as there is no way to get all of the bacteria off of them.

If you have been a victim of a flood and need your home dried out call SERVPRO of South Garland today at (972) 278-7871 we will make it “Like it never even happened.”