“Spring showers” is a phrase that can be thrown around a lot this season, and if those cascades of rain lead to flooding, consumers need to know the proper precautions to take to protect themselves from infections, illnesses, and other injuries. Thus, tips offered by the Genesee County, Michigan Health Department could be applied anywhere that flooding is a threat.
The first thing you’ll want to do is keep an eye on your kids, who very well may want to go outside to play in the floodwaters or, if the water entered your house, tromp through that water as well. Don’t let them. Contaminants can cause a serious illness if they’re exposed to your child. If you’re concerned that a child has been playing in such water, make sure you wash their hands promptly, and take away toys that have similarly been exposed until you can disinfect them.
Open wounds deserve particular attention. You and your kids should stay away from flood waters if you suffer such a wound. Protect yourself by covering the damage with a waterproof bandage as soon as possible.
If the waters reach inside your home, one of the first things you should do is secure any chemicals that may have resided on your property. The last thing you want is for some type of solvent or hazardous material to escape into the water and ooze throughout your house.
Finally, once the water has receded, take the time to eliminate the circumstances that could lead to mold. Get rid of materials that can’t be dried, and do whatever you can to suck the water out of all surfaces and remove moisture from the environment.