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| Health Tips After Floods | | | Dr.Abhishek Sachdeva
Precautions When Returning to Your Home Electrical power and natural gas should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution, or explosions. Try to return to your home during the daytime so that you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns, or torches. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows, and leave the house immediately. Your electrical system may also be damaged. If you see frayed wiring or sparks, or if there is an odor of something burning but no visible fire, you should immediately shut off the electrical system at the circuit breaker.
FOOD
" Throw away any fruit and vegetables that have been in contact with flood water. Apples, pears and other high-growing fruit that were not touched by flood water should be washed with a known safe source of water before eating.
Packaged and Canned Foods
" Throw away any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with floodwater..
" Throw away juice/milk/baby formula boxes land home canned foods if they have come in contact with floodwater because they cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized.
Refrigerated and Frozen Foods
" Do not cook and eat meat, poultry, fish, eggs or other refrigerated foods that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours or more. Throw away these products because they can be contaminated with bacteria that can cause serious illness.
Take all Precautions
" Wash hands thoroughly with clean water and soap before and after handling food items.
" Never taste food to determine if it is safe. Some foods may look and smell fine, but if it has been at room temperature for more than two hours it can make you sick. Bacteria multiply very quickly at room temperature.
" If you have any doubt about any food item, throw it out.
WATER
Assume contamination.
People with private drinking water wells in flooded areas should assume that their water is contaminated, and take all precautions if:
" The well was covered with floodwaters or located near flooding
" There has been a change in water quality (odor or taste)
Bring water to a rolling boil for 1 minute or use a safe source.
Avoid Mosquitoes
Prevent mosquito bites by wearing long pants, socks, and long-sleeved shirts and by using insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin
Beware of wild or stray animals
Avoid wild or stray animals. Call local authorities to handle dead animals.
Clean up and prevent mold growth
What is mold?
Mold and mildew are general terms used to describe kinds of fungus. There are hundreds of different types of molds that vary in color and appearance. Molds are common in nature and can grow on rotting logs and fallen leaves, especially in moist, shady areas. Mold is also found indoors and can grow on foods, damp surfaces, cloth and other porous materials
" Mould can lead to serious health problems.
" If you are cleaning up in a room where mould is present, wear a face mask and disposable gloves.
" To minimize mould growth, move items to a cool, dry area within 48 hours and set up fans.
Prevent musculoskeletal injuries
Use teams of two or more people to move bulky objects. Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds (per person).
Stay cool
When it's hot:
" Stay in air-conditioned buildings
" Take breaks in shaded areas or in cool rooms
Wash your hands
Use soap and warm water to wash your hands. If water isn't available, you can use alcohol-based products made for washing hands.
What to discard
All insulation materials, particleboard furniture, mattresses, box springs, stuffed toys, pillows, padding, cushions and furniture coverings that have been exposed to flood water.
Wash your hands
Use soap and warm water to wash your hands. If water isn't available, you can use alcohol-based products made for washing hands.
Take Care of Your Mental and Emotional Health
When the shock has passed, reactions will vary among different people, and may include:
Intense and unpredictable moods
Anxiety and nervousness; feeling out of control
Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
Disrupted sleep and eating patterns
Stress-related headaches, nausea and chest pain
Remember that it is normal to experience these symptoms, and there are basic things
that you can do to relieve some of the stress
Maintain your energy by eating healthy foods and avoid excess caffeine, junk
food, alcohol, drugs and tobacco.
Exercise and stretch your muscles frequently.
Get adequate sleep and rest.
Practice stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and mindfulness to calm your body and mind.
Talk to friends, family and coworkers about your emotions.
Try to be patient because the cleanup and restoration will take time. Adjust your
expectations and be realistic about what you can accomplish.
People with a history of mental health problems may find their symptoms get
worse during times of stress. Be sure to seek help as needed.
Take time to help children cope with their feelings. Provide extra affection and
reassurance.
Set aside time for regular tasks that are unrelated to the flood cleanup.
Immunizations
Outbreaks of communicable diseases after floods are unusual. However, the rates of diseases that were present before a flood may increase because of decreased sanitation or overcrowding among displaced persons. Increases in infectious diseases that were not present in the community before the flood are not usually a problem. If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on individual records.
Specific recommendations for vaccinations should be made on a case-by-case basis, or as determined by local and state health department.
What to discard
All insulation materials, particleboard furniture, mattresses, box springs, stuffed toys, pillows, padding, cushions and furniture coverings that have been exposed to flood water. |
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