As floodwater may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals and rats' urine that could in turn infect you with fatal diseases, such as Leptospirosis, it is important to take extra care with domestic hygiene. To help you prevent disease and infection spreading we have listed some handy hints below.
- Before you start to clear up the debris, wash all cuts and grazes and cover with waterproof plasters.
- Check with your doctor about innoculations for diseases associated with flooding such as Hepatitis A and Tetanus.
- Wear protective/waterproof clothes, gloves and Wellingtons, or sturdy boots, when dealing with debris.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating, drinking, smoking or having any facial contact with your hands.
- Avoid hand contact with your face while cleaning.
Take care
- Do not attempt to move heavy objects that may be unstable and could suddenly shift and trap or crush you. This includes fallen trees.
- Never enter any deep still water, or water that is fast flowing.
- Always move slowly and carefully. Standing water and mud can obscure holes (including uncovered manholes outside your property), undermined foundations and sharp objects, such as broken glass. Sediment can also be slippery.
- Use a long stick (such as a broom handle) to check your footing as you walk through water or mud.
- Vermin, stray cats and dogs and other animals may take shelter in your home if they have been disturbed by a flood. In the event of this happening be cautious in approaching any animal and, if necessary, contact the Council’s pest control department or the RSPCA.