Survival Cave Food - Dangers of Floods

From our Friends at Survival Cave Food:

Dangers of Floods

Floods usually aren’t on our minds, but the truth of the matter is that they can be quite dangerous. What most people don’t consider are the diseases that floods can spread.

Floods can spread both water-borne diseases and vector-borne diseases. Water-borne diseases are (obviously) spread through the water. Diseases can be contracted through contact with polluted waters. There are several diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis A, that can be contracted through polluted water. You can get also get wound infections, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and ear, nose and throat infections.

Vector-borne diseases can also be prominent, which are usually spread through stagnant water. The stagnant water creates a new environment for animals and insects that can spread malaria, yellow fever, and West Nile fever.

Of course, disease is only one of the many worries that come with a flood. Experts report that most deaths that occur due to flooding is because people get trapped in their cars. People often overestimate their car and try to drive across water logged roads. It only takes 6 inches of water to sweep your car from the road. Also keep in mind that floods often damage bridges and dams so you should avoid these during and for a while after the flood.

Never wade through the waters. Not only can you contract the diseases mentioned above, but the water can change pace at any moment. You may begin wading through relatively still water, but at any time the water could begin to move rapidly. It may take you completely off your feet, ramming you into near by objects or drowning you. Also, nasty chemicals could be picked up in the water and could causes rashes or illness.

It’s obvious that one should not use electricity when there’s a floor. Don’t try to remove electrical wires, even if you think the line is dead. You should wait until officials authorize that the area is safe before you use any electrical devices.

Unfortunately, animals are often hurt in floods. If you are in an especially rural area, you may notice rodents and reptiles struggling in the flood. Though it’s a sad situation, it is not recommended that you try to lend a helping hand. Those animals can contract disease from the flood, too, and they could easily give you a disease or injure you. However, you still should keep your own pets safely with you, leashed or caged at all times. Once the flood is over, make sure to wash your pets thoroughly so they can get any chemicals or bacteria off of them. 

It can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours for a flash flood to fully develop. When a flood warning is announce, it is recommended that you evacuate to a safe area immediately. You should know of a place to go to beforehand – higher ground is your safest bet, other than leaving the area completely.

After experiencing a flood, make sure to have your home inspected. Even if you do not see any damage, there could be structural problems, mold, electrical wiring problems, or even problems with your sewage system.