Playing in flood waters

Flood waters may contain potentially dangerous materials, such as fecal matter from overflowing sewage systems, agricultural runoff and chemicals from industrial areas. Wading in flood waters can also be a cause of infection or result in a variety of injuries. Eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water can cause diarrheal disease. Follow these tips to stay healthy during and after the flood: Flooding in Your Area Tune into local radio and TV stations to see if your area is under a boil alert for drinking water. Follow the guidelines if you have a private water systems or sewage treatment systems. Do not allow children to play in flood water areas. Practice good hygiene (Wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer if soap is not available) after contact with flood waters. Wash children's hands frequently (always before meals). Cleaning Your Home After a Flood Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles during cleanup of affected area. Keep children and pets out of the affected area until cleanup has been completed. Do not allow children to play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected. Remove and discard items that cannot be washed and disinfected (such as, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books, wall coverings, and most paper products). Remove and discard drywall and insulation that has been contaminated with sewage or flood waters. Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces (such as flooring, concrete, molding, wood and metal furniture, countertops, appliances, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures) with hot water and laundry or dish detergent. Help the drying process by using fans, air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers. After completing the cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for 1 minute (allow the water to cool before washing your hands). Wash all clothes worn during the cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens. Seek immediate medical attention if you become injured or ill.

Danger! Allowing Children to Play in Flood Water Can Be 'Fatal' Recently the Northwest Florida and Northern Alabama area were inundated with rain to such a degree that we had flooding never experienced or in some cases not experienced since the early 1800's. Not one street in the Pensacola area was left untouched by standing water. Every street experienced flooding to some extent. Motorist throughout the city were experiencing water logged vehicles, stalled cars, vehicles that were considered those never to flood out, were n the street flooded. Some vehicles were underwater while others were left with only the tops peeking above the water. Many saw cars floating by while some drivers were sitting on the side of highways waiting for tow trucks. People in this area have never experienced this much standing water and some felt we had problems greater than when Hurricane IVAN visited in 2004. The front passing through and damage along with flooding made history for the area. Yet, during the day of the flooding, when water was still flowing, some residents took the opportunity to enjoy standing flood water. Not by allowing their children to stand in the rain and enjoy the clean water as it fell from the sky, but by allowing their children to dress in swimwear and take to the streets to swim, jump and play in the filthy, contaminated, standing, flood water. Forgive me for asking what may be a 'stupid' question to some, but, who on earth would a parent or guardian allow a child to swim or play in 'contaminated' water? There is no doubt in my mind that any water standing in the streets of Pensacola is "contaminated." No testing is required for a logical person to realize the amount of bacteria present just on a normal day on the streets or in the vegetation in this area. The flood water simply washes the contaminants into one area allowing them to accumulate and sit until soaked into the earth. While in a stationary position, or even while being stirred by continuous rain, movement or any disturbance, the germs, bacteria or live creatures moving around are just waiting for an opportunity to move in to a viable host and take up occupancy. There they can thrive while feasting on body parts. If the host's immune system is not capable or strong enough to fight off the invader, then illness requiring a physician's care maybe even hospitalization is required. If the child's immune system is strong, still illness may occur. Why expose your child to something as dangerous or life threatening? According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), "Flood waters commonly contain microbial contaminants and can directly affect public health. Increased levels of microbes in floodwaters increase the risk of human exposure and the likelihood of infection." You're setting your children up for death or a lifetime of health issues when allowing them to play in standing water; Especially standing flood water which is contaminated. Please remember, you're the parent. It's your responsibility to think through the problems and concerns of any issues for your children. Before saying yes, consider the consequences of your actions and say 'No' when their health is at stake!