Keep Afloat During Floods – Six Important Safety Tips

Conditions during a flood can be dangerous for some not so obvious reasons. Flood waters may contain toxic chemicals and will almost certainly breed dangerous bacteria. Its VERY important that you have your own supply of water for drinking and washing. If you have any cuts or open sores do everything you can to keep them protected from flood waters.

The six most important things to remember if you find yourself stuck in a flooded area are:

Avoid contact with flood water whenever possible. If you have to walk through flood water only do so while wearing boots that are high enough to protect you from the water.

Wash your hands with soap and clean, safe water thoroughly and often. If its available, use antibacterial soap. This is especially important when preparing food or eating.

Don't drink any water except bottled water until the water supply has been certified safe by public officials. Even after the water supply is declared safe, all water lines to your home must be disinfected. (Any absorbent surfaces or materials in your home that have been in contact with flood water may also contain toxic contaminants, even after they are dry.).

Stay away from all electrical devices -- even if unplugged they may have components that could discharge and shock you. If safe, turn off your main electrical breaker while the power is off so, when it comes back on, you can decide when it is safe to turn it back on in your home.

Buildings that have been flooded can be very dangerous. Ceilings can fall in, floors give way and the entire structure can collapse without warning. Have your home inspected by a professional and certified safe for you and your family.

If you live an area that might flood, have a waterproof emergency supply cache with bottled water, ready-to-eat foods, drinks that don't require refrigeration, first aid equipment, extra medications, rubber boots, heavy shoes, dry clothing, thermal blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, plastic bags for trash and smaller sealable bags for keeping things dry or just keeping things together and a small set of essential tools including: a sharp pocket knife, razor-blade knife, adjustable-wrenches, assorted screwdrivers, adjustable pliers and channel-locks, rope, twine and bailing wire, duct tape, electrical tape.

Things to Do and Be Aware Of After the Flood

Standing water next to the outside walls of the house may mean it is unsafe to enter. The house needs to be inspected by professionals and certified safe for you and your family.

Walk around the outside of the house and look for loose power lines and signs or smells of gas leaks. If you see, hear or smell anything suspect, call for emergency services.

Do not smoke or use candles, gas lanterns, camp stoves, or any other open flame around the house until it has been inspected and declared free of any flammable fumes.

If you have an outdoor propane tank, inspect it carefully; tanks tend to float and break away in floods.

Anything in or out of the house that has been in contact with flood water can be contaminated. Until it is washed off with antibacterial soap, consider it dangerous to handle.

Beware of silt buildup in nooks and crannies of a building; it can harbor dangerous chemicals, bacteria and fungus.

Bad habits can become more frequent under stress. Be aware that smoking and nail biting can transfer contamination from your hand to your mouth.

Children who suck their thumb or those so young they aren't aware of the danger are at risk of hand to mouth infection.

Flood Insurance

Even if your home is not in a location with a “high risk” for flooding, it is still wise to look into flood insurance. FEMA has reported that approximately a quarter of all flood insurance claims were generated in areas that were at a low or moderate risk for flooding. Devastating floods in the United States cause more than $2 billion in property damage during an average year -- in 2005, two hurricanes dramatically increased that number. Be aware that most homeowners and business insurance policies do not cover flood loss -- you need to secure flood insurance separately.