Floods can pose many health risks like infections, injuries and other hazards. Flood water may contain various infectious agents, chemicals, sharp objects, hazardous creatures. Here are simple ways to stay safe in flood situations:
- Protective equipments:
- Wear long rubber boots, insulated rubber gloves and goggles while walking through flood water.
- Cleanliness:
- If in case you could not wear protective equipments, wash contaminated area with soap and clean water as soon as possible.
- Wash contaminated cloths with detergent.
- Wound care:
- Be alert about present of sharp objects in flood water and slippery areas and avoid any injuries.
- If already skin cut or wound is present, avoid exposure to flood water and if unavoidable, apply waterproof bandage over it before exposing to floodwater.
- Vaccination:
- Seek medical advice regarding Tetanus vaccine if skin cuts exposed to flood water. Healthcare provider will give according to your vaccination record.
- Other vaccines like HAV, Cholera will be needed depending on the epidemics in your region.
- Water borne diseases:
- Always use boiled or purified water.
- Wash hands after exposure to flood water and before eating meals.
- Wash fruits and salads in pure water.
- Medical advice:
- Take prompt first aid precautions in case of injuries and seek medical advice regarding prevention of wound infections.
- In areas of leptospirosis alert, seek medical attention, whether wounded or not.
- Recreational activities:
- Do not let children play or swim in flood water.
- Contaminated toys like ball etc. should be cleaned before playing.
- Do not swim in rivers or lakes contaminated with flood water.
- Safety from other hazards:
- Be alert from animals, insects and reptiles in flood water. Seek medical advice on bite.
- Do not touch electric poles or wires. Protect yourself with insulated gloves.