Floods destroy the artificial barriers that separate humans from the elements. As a result, in the aftermath of floods, water purification and sewage systems are frequently badly damaged, and chemicals from sludge and toxic waste enter the rivers. Even though dealing with the aftermath of a flood can be difficult, it is critical to continue to prioritize the family’s health.
Flood Water’s Hazards
In addition to the physical damage to your home, let’s say that you’ve experienced flood water damage. In this case, you must be aware of the numerous health risks. So, how can you avoid the health dangers while also limiting the floodwater damage?
The dangers of floodwater are both visible and hidden. What exactly are they?
Fast Current
According to the report, six inches of fast-moving water is enough to knock you off your feet. Two feet of fast-moving water can sweep cars away. Floodwaters can put everyone at risk of drowning, regardless of their swimming skill. The current may be traveling quicker than it appears. Shallow water that moves quickly can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be hazardous to little children.
Toxic Chemicals
Assume that water damage results from a natural flood; it would have mixed with water from the sewage and drainage systems. Therefore, there’s a high possibility the water is contaminated. The chemicals in flood water vary depending on where you are. The water may contain animal waste, fertilizer, and pesticides in agricultural areas. Battery acid, gasoline, overflows from toxic waste sites, and manufacturing chemicals are all possible contaminants in floodwater. You can read more about the results of water damage to our lives.
Dead and Live Animals
Floodwater kills livestock, including cows, pigs, sheep, poultry, and household pets. Live snakes and rats, both harmful to people, may be present in the dark, muddy water. Furthermore, any stagnant water will serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and insects like mosquitos. Remember that viruses like rabies can transmit through wild animals and diseases spread by fleas and ticks, so be aware of the situation.
Electrical Hazards
You must prevent electrical dangers in your house and elsewhere after a hurricane, flood, or other natural disasters. For example, flood water may be charged with electricity from underground or downed power lines. As a result, victims should not return home until the power has been switched off. In this case, you’ll need to hire flood cleanup professionals like PuroClean Bowie, MD, who know how to handle the matter effectively.
Infectious Organisms
You should take precautions to drink only from clean bottled water and avoid food that the water has polluted. You don’t want to eat anything contaminated because it might easily get you sick. E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Hepatitis A Virus, and Typhoid may be present in floodwater. Mosquitoes are also attracted to floodwaters. Standing water pools serve as mosquito breeding sites.
Dangerous Debris
Sharp materials, such as glass or metal shards may be present in floodwaters, posing a risk of injury and infection. Prompt first aid can aid in healing small wounds and preventing disease. If you get a small wound or one that is contaminated with excrement, soil, or saliva, have your records checked to see if a tetanus booster is required. Even after the water has subsided, the aftermath of a flood might be the most difficult time for disease and bacteria to spread. If this is the case, you need the help of a flood cleanup like PuroClean water clean up.
Finally
Many experts are available to assist you with flood water damage. They’ll have the knowledge and resources to help you get the situation under control and back to normal as soon as possible. However, the health dangers linked with flood water damage should not be overlooked. Don’t assume you’ll be able to tackle the problem independently. Always proceed with caution and seek professional assistance if necessary.
