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After a
flood
Ask gas,
electricity and water companies to check your supplies before
turning back on,
Check Yellow
Pages under flood damage for suppliers of cleaning materials or
equipment
to dry out your
property.
Contact
English Heritage for advice on repairs to listed
buildings.
Health and
water
Water
Most public
water supplies will not be affected by flooding. Where mains water
is
contaminated the water company will issue a boil water notice.
People with private water supplies are more at risk as such
supplies are more easily affected by flooding.
Floodwater is
likely to be contaminated with sewage, animal waste and other
contaminants. However infection problems arising from floods in the
UK are 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 health problems.
It is
particularly important to ensure children keep away from the flood
waters as in addition to the danger of drowning contact with
contaminated water may cause health problems.
Protecting
against infection in flood situations
Health risks
can be minimised by taking hygiene precautions – the most
effective means
or doing this and preventing illness is by hand washing following
any
contact with
flood
water or articles which you handle that have been in contact with
flood water.
Wash hands
thoroughly using warm water and soap and then dry hands
properly
When working
in an area of flooding or which has been flooded wear personal
protective equipment (PPE), as a minimum waterproof boots and
gloves.
Clothing,
personal protective equipment and other items which have been in
contact with flood water should be thoroughly cleaned and
dried after use and prior to storage
You should
always wash your hands with soap and water after going to the
toilet
and before eating or preparing food. It is also very important
to do so after being in contact with flood water or items that
have been contaminated by the water –
especially prior
to eating. This is particularly
important for those involved with emergency response, clean up
and recovery work where they may eat pre-packed food supplied in
the work zone.
Do not
eat food that has come into contact with
floodwater
Keep open
cuts or sores clean and prevent them being exposed to flood
water.
If you
develop diarrhoea and/or vomiting or develop a fever in the 10 days
following contact with floodwater medical advice should be
sought.
General
Flood water
may contain contaminants which can irritate the skin e.g. oil,
diesel.
This should be washed off as soon as possible and medical advice
sought as required.
Be aware that
there may be hidden hazards present in the flood water e.g. debris
and missing man hole covers | 