Environmental dangers to be aware of following a flood

According to the OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

“Although most floods do not cause serious outbreaks of infectious disease or chemical poisonings, they can cause sickness in workers and others who come in contact with contaminated floodwater. Floodwaters also may be contaminated by agricultural or industrial chemicals or by hazardous agents present at flooded hazardous waste sites.

Floodwater often contains infectious organisms, including intestinal bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella; Hepatitis A Virus; and agents of typhoid, paratyphoid and tetanus. The signs and symptoms experienced by the victims of waterborne microorganisms are similar, even though they are caused by different pathogens. These symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches, and fever.

Most cases of sickness associated with flood conditions are brought about by ingesting contaminated food or water. Tetanus, however, can be acquired from contaminated soil or water entering broken areas of the skin, such as cuts, abrasions, or puncture wounds. Tetanus is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system and causes severe muscle spasms, known as lockjaw. The symptoms may appear weeks after exposure and may begin as a headache, but later develop into difficulty swallowing or opening the jaw.”

In addition, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) notes that

“Mold growth is a common occurrence in flood-damaged homes and damp environments. Mold can become a problem in your home if there is enough moisture available to allow mold to thrive and multiply. Dampness in basements, walls, carpets, and wood provides an environment for mold to flourish.

Health officials say problems from exposure can follow if mold is disturbed through cleanup procedures. Also, mold is easily transferred from one surface to another. Infants, children, immune-compromised patients, pregnant women, individuals with existing respiratory conditions (allergies, multiple chemical sensitivity, and asthma) and the elderly appear to be at higher risks for adverse health effects from mold.

Symptoms include nose and throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, asthma attacks in individuals who have asthma, and lower respiratory tract infections (in children). People with pre-existing respiratory conditions also may be susceptible to more serious lung infections. It is important to identify mold early and take steps to clean it up and prevent more mold activity.

For more information about how to clean your home after a flood, visit: https://tinyurl.com/sclabtv

Advice for homeowners/renters:

Clearly document your loss and damage, take pictures and inventory items lost.

Look for power issues before entering flooded areas: three lines in and two lines out, means a line is down.

Do not enter flooded basements or rooms if power has not been shut off to the building.

Be sure to contact your insurance company before getting clean-up or other help, as this must be done before volunteers can come on to your property.

Throw out food that has been submerged in flood water, including canned food.

Place debris off your property to the side of the road. This will allow pick up by FEMA or other official clean-up teams.

Don't count on bleach alone to take care of your flood damage

If you need help, don't hesitate to speak up

Flood water can be toxic. Be sure to wear protective gear when in contact with potentially toxic water.