Stay out of Floodwater

# Suggested Post

# Flooding

# Safety Tips

A suggested post to share on Nextdoor for Public Agencies to keep your community safety from flooding

Joseph Porcelli

DO NOT attempt to drive over a flooded road. Turn around and go another way. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car. Water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge. Even a small amount of floodwater can hide dangers such as road collapse and debris.

1) Always follow warnings about flooded roads and do not go around or pass barricades.

2) Don’t drive in flooded areas — cars or other vehicles won’t protect you from floodwaters. They can be swept away or may stall/

Floodwaters contain many things that may harm health. We don’t know precisely what is in floodwater at any given time.

⚠️ Floodwater can contain: ⚠️

➡️ Downed power lines

➡️ Human and livestock waste

➡️ Household, medical, and industrial hazardous waste (chemical, biological, and radiological)

➡️ Coal ash waste can contain carcinogenic compounds such as arsenic, chromium, and mercury

➡️ Other contaminants that can lead to illness+

➡️ Physical objects such as lumber, vehicles, and debris

➡️ Wild or stray animals such as rodents and snakes

⚠️ Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause: ⚠️

➡️ Wound infections

➡️ Skin rash

➡️ Gastrointestinal illness

➡️ Tetanus

➡️ Leptospirosis (not common)

Protecting yourself from exposure to floodwater regardless of the source of contamination. The best way to protect yourself is to stay out of the water.

⚠️ If you come in contact with floodwater: ⚠️

➡️ Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer if you don’t have soap or water.

➡️ Take care of wounds and seek medical attention if necessary.

➡️ Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage in hot water and detergent before reusing them.

If you must enter floodwater, wear rubber boots, gloves, and goggles when possible.