Flooding presents a risk to your health – advice and precautions
Storm Christoph and subsequent flooding continues to cause severe disruption across the county. River levels are steadily decreasing in the north of the county and Shrewsbury but there is still a real risk of flooding further down stream in communities in and around Bridgnorth. The floods are affecting us in many different ways, from those experiencing flooding in their homes to those who have had their travel arrangements disrupted due to road closures.
Flooding has brought us many challenges, but as water levels drop and we begin to clean up, it is important to be aware of the hazards left behind that are not so easily visible.
Do not under any circumstances be tempted to enter flood waters. The flow of a swollen river along with its under-current can be very powerful. Flood water may also contain raw sewage which can lead to health problems, however infection problems arising from floods in this country are rare.
Usually any harmful bugs in floodwater become very diluted and present a low risk, but there are a few precautions to be aware of when dealing with flooding which should prevent unnecessary health problems as follows:
- Wherever possible, avoid coming into contact with floodwater. If you must go into areas where some flood water remains, wear waterproof gloves and rubber boots, and remember to be careful of hazards below the surface that you might not be able to see.
- Wash your hands – this is the single best way to get rid of harmful bugs. If you have been in contact with flood water or sewage, or handled items that have, it is essential that you wash with warm, clean water and soap. If there is no clean water, use disposable soapy, wet wipes or sanitising gel to carefully clean all parts of your hands and dry them.
- Sandbags can become contaminated; always wear gloves when handling them and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.
- Keep open cuts or sores clean and use waterproof plasters to prevent them being exposed to floodwater.
- Keep children out of the water.
- Do not consume any food or drink that has been in contact with floodwater or sewage.
Practising good hand hygiene is an excellent way to protect yourself from germs associated with floods, but also to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other viruses. Please follow this link to NHS guidance on the best way to wash your hands.
This document from the Environment Agency contains a range of useful information about what to do before, during and after a flood.
