Flood water not only damages your home, property, and belongings, but it can also be dangerous for your health.
Flood water is often contaminated. This means it carries harmful bacteria, chemicals, waste, and debris that can stay in and around your home even after flood waters are gone.
It's important to know how to stay safe when you and your family are returning home after a flood.
Do not return to your home until your local city, town, or authorities tell you it's safe.
Know the risks
Once you're told it is safe to go back to your home, be very careful. Flood water risks include:
- human waste (raw sewage)
- chemicals
- debris
- openings in the ground that you can't see
- damage to structures and utilities
Cleaning up after a flood can also put you at risk of tetanus. Make sure your immunizations are up to date and clean any cuts right away.
Check for hazards
Make sure the building is safe before you go in:
- Look for bent walls or floors.
- Look for holes in the floor, broken glass, and other dangerous debris.
- Work within your limits and take breaks when you need to.
- Ask for help if you need it.
Use personal protective equipment
When you're working with anything contaminated (made unsafe) by flood water, you must use personal protection equipment (PPE).
Use the right type of PPE for all flood clean-up activities, including:
- waterproof boots that won't get a hole
- coveralls or overalls
- rubber gloves and strong work gloves for cleaning and removing flood-damaged items
- a shovel or other tool to remove or move debris (Don't use your hands to remove items that are under water.)
- a face mask or a respirator mask (available at hardware stores) for areas that could have mould or asbestos or are very dusty
Always have a first aid kit with you. Make sure it includes supplies to clean and cover any cut or wound.
Wash often
Remember to wash your hands and any uncovered skin regularly with soap and warm water.
Don't touch your skin with anything contaminated, including your gloves.
Wash your clothes and bathe or shower after you finish any cleaning activities.
