Take
precautions during and after flooding
Drowning
has been the number one cause of death related to flooding
in Washington, according to the Washington Sate Department
of Health. Don’t walk or drive through flood waters.
More people drown in their cars during a flood than anywhere
else. Flood conditions change rapidly and severe flooding
can develop in minutes. Only two feet of water can cause a
car to be swept away. As few as six inches can cause unstable
footing.
Other risks include foodborne illness, waterborne illness,
infections, and injury or death from fire or carbon monoxide
poisoning.
If your well has been flooded, assume the water in your home
is contaminated. If you are on a public water system, listen
to your radio or television for news from public health departments
to find out if your water is contaminated. If water is contaminated,
use bottled water that has been stored for less than six months
in tightly sealed containers. Plan for one gallon a person
per day.
Floods and storms can also knock down power lines. If you
lose power, never use a gas oven, range, barbecue, hibachi,
or portable propane heater to heat your home. These units
give off deadly carbon monoxide. Portable generators also
give off carbon monoxide. Keep generators outside and run
a cord into the house.
Protect yourself from foodborne illness by using foods that
spoil rapidly before those that keep longer, and keeping cold
food cold. Use an ice chest and prioritize what needs to be
kept coldest. Meat, seafood, and dairy products and cooked
leftovers are most important. If food is cold to the touch,
it is probably safe to use, keep, or refreeze. Discard any
food that is not cold to the touch, or that shows obvious
signs of spoilage.
Do not try to repair or grab downed power lines. Even when
flood water levels appear to have subsided, electrical currents
can travel through the water for more than 100 yards. Contact
your utility company or police department to report downed
power lines.
Floodwaters may carry silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical waste.
Don’t allow children to play in flooded areas. Wash your
hands frequently with soap and disinfected water to prevent
spread of disease, especially before preparing or eating food
and after toilet use. When cleaning up, wear gloves and boots
at all times to avoid touching anything with bare hands or
feet.
To be better prepared for an emergency, keep a battery operated
radio and a flashlight on hand.
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