Here's What You Can Do To Stay Safe From Floodwater Hazards And Health Risks

When heavy rains turn streets into rivers, it's not just your shoes or bag at risk—your health is too. Floodwater can carry hidden hazards: raw sewage, animal waste, industrial chemicals, downed power lines, and debris like glass or wood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that floodwater exposure can lead to skin infections, rashes, gastrointestinal illnesses, and serious conditions like leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that spikes when contaminated water comes into contact with skin or open wounds.

The safest approach is simple: stay out of floodwater. Even shallow water can hide sharp objects, strong currents, or electrical hazards. Driving through flooded streets is extremely risky—cars can stall or be swept away. Remember: turn around, don't drown.

Sometimes, we can't avoid wading through water, whether to reach home, help others, or save belongings. In those cases, the CDC recommends us to:

1. Wear knee-high rubber boots, gloves, and protective eyewear.

2. Cover any cuts or open wounds with waterproof bandages.

3. Wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and clean water immediately. If unavailable, use alcohol-based sanitizer.

4. Wash clothes soaked in floodwater separately with hot water and detergent before using them again.

Even small cuts can become infected. Clean wounds carefully, remove debris, and cover with a clean bandage. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice redness, swelling, oozing, or fever. Wounds contaminated with floodwater or soil may require a tetanus booster.

Floodwater can contaminate drinking water and food. "Ensuring uninterrupted provision of safe drinking water is the most important preventive measure to be implemented following flooding," the World Health Orgniazation (WHO) states. Protect yourself and your family by:

1. Washing hands thoroughly after any contact with floodwater.

2. Keeping children away from puddles and contaminated objects.

3. Avoiding drinking, cooking with, or bathing in water that may be unsafe. Boil or disinfect before use.

Leptospirosis enters the body through cuts, eyes, nose, or mouth when exposed to contaminated water. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, and reddish eyes. Severe cases can affect the liver and kidneys, and treatment must be sought immediately.