You have seen the television footage -- flood victims wading through water, children jumping into flood water to chill off, and floating debris speeding downstream. Flood water contains visible and hidden dangers. What are they?
1. Fast current. Minneapolis MN, on its Net web site, says simply six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. 2 feet of fast-moving water will sweep cars away. The present could be moving faster than it appears. Young youngsters, the elderly, and the disabled are liable to quick-moving current.
2. Toxic chemicals. The chemicals in flood water rely on location. In agricultural areas the water may contain animal feces, fertilizer, and pesticides. In step with the CDC, flood water may also contain battery acid. OSHA reports that flood water could additionally contain gasoline, overflows from toxic waste sites, and manufacturing chemicals.
3. Dead and live animals. Flood water kills livestock -- cows, pigs, sheep, poultry -- and family pets. The dark, murky water my additionally contain live snakes and rats that are dangerous to humans.
4. Electrical hazards. In keeping with OSHA, flood water could be charged with electricity from underground or downed power lines. Victims ought to not return to their homes till the electricity is turned off.
6. Dangerous debris. Rushing flood water may contain railroad ties, trees, tree branches, home propane tanks, gas grill tanks, furniture, youngsters's play sets/toys, and even houses. This heavy debris can cause serious injuries.
7. Infectious organisms. The U.S. Dept. of Labor says flood water may contain E. Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Hepatitis A Virus, and Typhoid. Flood water additionally attracts mosquitoes. "Pools of standing water become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the chance of West Nile Virus and encephalitis," in keeping with West Virginia University Extension Service.
Though most floods do not cause serious outbreaks of disease, it is best to be prepared. The following tips can help you guard against flood water dangers.
* Get a tetanus shot or booster.
* Wear rubber waders and gloves.
* Protect your eyes with goggles and your lungs with a face mask.
* Use insect repellent.
* Cowl your arms and legs.
* Drink bottled water from safe bottling plants.
* If no safe water is out there, disinfect water with a resolution of 5 drops of household bleach to 1 gallon of water.
* Rinse water storage containers with bleach solution.
* Wash hands with disinfected water and soap.
* Clean open sores and cuts with alcohol.
* Discard all contaminated food, together with dented cans.
The simplest means to accommodate flood disaster is to prepare for it. For more info log onto the American Red Cross Website and print out the "Disaster Supplies Kit."
Resources
- Yank Red Cross, "Disaster Provides Kit"
- American Red Cross, "Repairing Your Flooded Home"
- Centers for Disease Management and Prevention (CDC), "When a Flood"
- City of Minneapolis, "Flood Safety"
- Occupational Savety & Health Administration (OSHA), "Flood Cleanup"
- West Virginia University Extension Service, "A way to Protect Yourself When Cleaning Up Once a Flood"
Author Resource:-
Bob has been writing articles online for nearly 2 years now. Not only does this author specialize in flood,you can also check out his latest website about:
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