Safety in Flood Waters

Take warnings of flash floods or area flooding seriously, because rising flood waters present a number of dangers. Prevent interaction with flood waters by evacuating your home; moving yourself, pets and household items to higher ground; staying out of flood waters; and avoiding flooded roads. If stuck in or around flood waters, take necessary safety precautions.

Avoidance

• Avoid crossing moving water. It is difficult to estimate its depth, and it is likely that you or your car can be swept away. Try to avoid walking in flood waters to prevent electrocution from hidden power lines and elude severe danger presented by covered propane tanks. To kids, it may seem fun to play in deep waters. Remember that the waters can be infested with insects and snakes or can contain glass and other sharp objects.

Warnings

• Heed the warnings of police and other emergency personnel to evacuate or avoid certain areas. A car does not protect you from flood waters. According to the Baltimore County Fire Department, a car can be carried away in only one foot of water moving at 6 mph and can float in water at a depth of only two feet. If your vehicle stalls in flood waters, get out and move to higher ground, if it can be done safely.

Health

• Flood waters can be contaminated with all sorts of chemicals and human and other waste. Avoid placing your health in danger by staying out of flood waters as much as possible. If you must enter the waters, clean all affected body parts with soap and clean water. For protection, wear waterproof gloves and rubber boots when in flood waters and during cleanup. Wash all contaminated clothes in hot water.

Cleanup

• Disinfect flooded walls, floors, and other surfaces with soap and clean water and a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water, advises the Centers for Disease Control. Thoroughly dry and disinfect salvageable upholstered furniture. Wooden cutting boards, pacifiers, bottle nipples, plastic utensils, home-canned goods and contaminated foods must be discarded. According to the Virginia Department of Health, wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, utensils and store-bought canned goods with clean water and soap and sanitize in a solution of ¼ cup of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.

House Water

• Flood waters can contaminate private wells and the public water supply. Listen to the news for official warnings to boil water before use. Private well water should be boiled for a minimum of one minute before use until toxicity levels are tested. Stock up on bottled water before a hurricane or flood for assurance that you are using safe, clean water---especially for making baby formula.

Returning Home

• Visit a flooded home in the daytime. Shut off electricity, natural gas and propane tanks. Because a gas leak may have occurred, avoid candles, gas lanterns or other open flames as light sources. Use battery-powered flashlights or lanterns. If you suspect a gas leak, leave immediately and notify authorities. Do not return until it is deemed safe. Have an electrician or other professional inspect flooded electrical appliances before use.