Flooding – Cleaning the Aftermath of Flooding

Remember that water always seeks the lowest level. Normally, when you reside in a low lying area or you are near a body of water like a lake, a river, a pond or near the beach, chances are you get to experience flooding problems more than once a year. Flooding also poses a problem every time a storm is brewing and strikes your area.

Flooding causes many dangers like drowning and being swept away because of the strong currents. The danger of accidentally falling into potholes or manholes is big since you cannot see what is underneath the murky water. Another thing to consider is fallen electrical wires – you may never know what will hit you in case the wire is a live one.

Often flood waters are slow to go down because the drainages are not working properly or could be clogged up; or maybe the water has nowhere to go and a water pump is needed. Thus, if water stays in one area or place for quite sometime, it could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects that bring diseases. Flooding could also affect the health and cleanliness of the environment. If the water pipes have cracks and flood water seeps in, the household water could be infected with germs and bacteria that may cause diarrhea and other illnesses, especially if it is used to wash food and eating utensils.

Here are some tips on what to do if and when flooding occurs:

* Always listen to news reports regarding storms or other natural calamities that are approaching your area.

* Buy necessary supplies that could last you for about two weeks especially bottled water. Prepare the things you need in case an evacuation is necessary and turn off gas valves and your main electric switch before seeking refuge.

* If you expect flooding to occur, fill out every possible container with clean water, including plastic water and soda bottles. Just make sure to clean them out first. You can use the water later on and it is better to have them in the first place instead of relying on your main water pipes for water supply.

* Elevate all electrical appliances to protect their internal electrical circuits. And makes sure that they are thoroughly dry before using them again once the flood abates. Allowing said appliances to dry thoroughly would prevent electrical shocks or short circuits from happening.

* Never wade into flooded areas or flood waters without proper foot protection like rubber boots, since you cannot see the potential dangers lurking beneath the water.

* Before preparing food always wash your hands first to avoid contaminating the food, especially if you are working to clean flood water off your premises.
 
* Always boil tap water that would be used to bathe infants, wash dishes and other eating and cooking paraphernalia.

* While the flood still has not abated or gone down, it is best and safer to use bottled drinking water for drinking and preparing formula for babies and children.

* Children should not be allowed to play near or go into the flooded areas where they could drown. They may also contact bacteria and germs that will make them ill.

* In case you need to walk into flood water, take care of open wounds or skin lesions. Put medicated plaster strips and do your best to avoid having it come in contact with the flood water. Infection could occur since the water is