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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 possibility of some
infections.
If you feel unwell this does not necessarily mean that you are
suffering from any infection. If you are concerned – visit your own
doctor.
Both physical stress associated with overexertion in cleaning up
premises and mental stress caused by temporary relocation may make
you feel unwell. Indeed the major health hazard of floods comes from
all the stress and strain of the event, not infection.
You may 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
counselling.
Finally, in the midst of all this water, remember that cold can play
a major role in your personal health. Do not add weather-related
health problems like hypothermia to your other problems.General advice on protecting against infection.
The floodwater affecting your home or other property may have
been contaminated with sewage, animal waste and other contaminants.
However infection problems arising from floods in the UK are
actually rare.
Although harmful micro-organisms in flood water are very diluted and
present a low risk there are a few precautions to be aware of when
dealing with flooding which should prevent unnecessary additional
health problems. If you follow the basic advice below you should not
experience any additional health problems.
Floodwater and sewage often leaves a muddy deposit. However,
experience from previous flooding and sewage contamination has shown
that any risk to health is small. (You do not need any booster
immunisations or antibiotics.)
Health risks can be minimised by taking general hygiene precautions
and by the use of protective clothing (waterproof boots and gloves)
whilst cleaning up. Always wash your hands with soap and clean
water after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing
food, after being in contact with flood water, sewage or items that
have been contaminated by these, or participating in flood cleanup
activities.
Don't allow children to play in flood-water areas and wash
children's hands frequently (always before meals). Wash
floodwater-contaminated toys with hot water or disinfect before
allowing them to be used. Keep any open cuts or sores clean
and prevent them being exposed to flood water. Wear waterproof
plasters.
Harmful gut bacteria such as E. coli O157 may be present in sewage
and animal slurry, and this can pass into flood water, although
there is likely to be substantial dilution. If anyone does develop a
tummy upset following direct flooding or contact with sewage they
should seek medical advice.
If the floodwater contained oil, diesel etc this should in the main
be removed with the floodwater and silt. Any remaining oil, diesel
etc contamination in accessible areas can be removed by using a
detergent solution and washing the surface down after initial
cleaning has been carried out.
In inaccessible areas such as under floorboards it may present an
odour problem but is not necessarily a health hazard. Further advice
should be sought from Environmental Health if the odour persists or
if you are particularly concerned about it for other reasons.
While in the property floorboards, walls etc will continue to dry
out. Any loose material and dust resulting from this should be
vacuumed up on a regular basis.
Very young children should avoid playing directly on timber
floorboards or any damaged tiled floors if possible - be aware of
the risk of injury from sharp edges on tiles or raised nails in the
floorboards until these have been repaired.
Contact your Doctor if you become ill after accidentally ingesting
(swallowing) mud or contaminated water and tell him/her your house
was flooded.
How to Clean Up
When returning to your home after a flood, be aware that flood
water may contain sewage. Protect yourself and your family by
following these steps:
If the inside of your home is affected:
If there has been a backflow of sewage into the house, wear rubber
boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Keep children and
pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed.
Walls, hard-surfaced floors, and many other household surfaces
should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a
solution of 1cup of bleach to 5 gallons of water.
Wash all linens 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.
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