Floods demolish the barriers that separate humans from the elements. However, in the aftermath of flooding, water purification and the sewage system are frequently severely damaged, and chemicals from sludge and hazardous wastes enter rivers. Although dealing with the aftermath of a flood can be difficult, it is critical to keep your family’s health in mind.
What Are the Flood Water’s Hazards
Let’s say you’ve had to deal with flood water damage and the physical damage to your home. You should be aware of various health risks in this scenario. How can you avoid health risks while limiting the damage caused by floodwaters?
Flooding hazards are both visible and invisible. So, what are they exactly?
Fast Current
Six inches of fast-moving water, according to the report, can lift you off the ground. Two feet of swiftly moving water can sweep cars away. Regardless of swimming ability, floodwaters could put everyone at risk of drowning. The current may be moving faster than it appears. Rapidly moving water can be deadly, and even shallow standing water can be hazardous to children.
Toxic Chemicals
Assume that a natural flood causes water damage. It could have been contaminated by drainage and wastewater water. As a result, there’s a good chance the water has been contaminated. The chemical composition of floodwaters varies depending on where you are. The water may contain animal waste, fertilizer, and pesticides in agricultural areas. Furthermore, potential floodwater contaminants are gasoline and battery acid discharged from hazardous waste disposal sites and chemical manufacturing sites. If you require water and fire restoration services, you can visit smoke damage clean up.
Dead and Live Animals
Floodwater can kill livestock such as sheep, cows, pigs, poultry, and domestic pets. Inside the dark, murky waters, living snakes and rodents, both dangerous to humans, can be found. Furthermore, stagnant water may be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and insects such as mosquitoes. Finally, remember that wild animals can transmit rabies and other viruses, and fleas and ticks can transmit diseases. Therefore, you must be cautious of the possible dangers.
Electrical Hazards
After flooding, hurricanes, or other natural disasters, you should be aware of electrical hazards in your home and everywhere else. Floodwater, for example, could be charged with electric current from underground or damaged power lines. As a result, flood victims should not return home until the power is turned off. In this case, it is necessary to hire flood cleanup professionals like a water damage restoration company in Lanham, MD, who can handle the situation effectively.
Infectious Organisms
It is critical to consume only bottled pure drinking water and to avoid eating food that has been contaminated with water. It is not advisable to consume any contaminated food because it may make you sick. Floodwaters may contain E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Hepatitis A Virus, and Typhoid. Mosquitoes are also drawn to floodwaters. Mosquito breeding grounds are found in standing water reservoirs.
Dangerous Debris
Sharp objects, such as glass or metal shards, could be found in floodwaters, causing injuries and infections. First aid is critical for healing minor cuts and keeping diseases at bay. For example, assume you have a minor cut or wound that has been contaminated by soil, excrement, or saliva. In that case, you should have your medical records reviewed to see if a tetanus booster is required. Even after the floodwaters have receded, the aftermath of flooding can be the most difficult time for illness and bacteria to spread. If this is the case, you need the help of a flood cleanup like water removal in Greater Upper Marlboro.
In Conclusion
Many experts are available to help you deal with flooding water damage. They’ll have the experience and tools to help manage the situation and get things back to normal as soon as possible. The health risks associated with flooding water damage, on the other hand, should not be overlooked. Don’t expect to be able to solve the problem on your own. Always be cautious and seek professional assistance if necessary.
