Safety and health

Floodwater will often be contaminated, especially by untreated sewage. Contamination remains after the floodwater has gone and can be hazardous unless simple procedures are followed. Wear rubber boots and gloves in and around the affected property. Wash all cuts and cover with waterproof plasters. Anyone receiving a puncture wound during flood recovery should have a doctor determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary. Small children, pregnant women and people with health problems should avoid flood water and flooded areas until cleanup is complete. If you follow basic advice you should not experience any health problems. However, if you do feel unwell or if you accidentally ingest (swallow) mud or contaminated water and you become ill, you should consult your doctor and tell them your house was flooded.

Floodwater can damage buildings severely, particularly if it has been flowing quickly or has been in a property for a long time. Before entering property that has been flooded, the outside of the building should be checked for signs of structural damage. Look for obvious signs of potential instability in the building – deep scouring of the surrounding ground or impact by the water or heavy objects. If there are any such signs, do not enter the building until a structural engineer, or your insurance loss adjuster, has inspected it – (see who to contact page for further information).

Be careful when moving any debris that may have been carried onto your property or the surrounding area. Avoid heavy objects (e.g. trees) that may be unstable and could suddenly move and trap or crush you. Do not attempt to move anything yourself that cannot be lifted comfortably.

Do not enter a building that has large amounts of sediment either inside it, or piled against the external walls, as the structure may be unsafe and could collapse. Sediments, such as mud or sand, that may be left behind by a flood can result in heavy loadings on a building that it wasn't designed to cope with.

Be careful when moving in and around property that has been flooded. Standing water and mud can hide holes, damage to structures and sharp objects. This could include uncovered manholes and drains or roads, paths or building foundations that may have been undermined, as well as broken bottles or glass. This will also apply to using a vehicle to approach a building as bridges may have been weakened by flood damage. Be aware of the risks such as falling, structures collapsing on or under you, cuts from standing or falling onto hidden hazards and slippery sediment. Remember:

Do not approach any structure that may be unsafe.
Do not approach any fast flowing water or deep standing water. If you enter swiftly flowing water, you risk drowning, regardless of your ability to swim. Shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Also, do not rely on on cars or other vehicles to protect you from floodwaters. In fact, people are more likely to drown inside a vehicle.
In all cases move slowly and carefully, make sure you are wearing strong footwear and use a stick to check that you are not about to step into a hole or onto a sharp object.

If driving in floods is unavoidable, do so with extreme caution. See Driving in floods for further guidance.

Turn off the electricity supply to the property until a qualified electrician has checked out the electrical systems. Use extreme caution in dealing with electricity - if in doubt about the safety of mains supply call your electricity supplier for assistance (see section on electricity supplies/equipment). After making sure mains supply is safe check all switches, sockets and appliances prior to any use. Do not switch on electrical appliances that have been in contact with the floodwater unless a competent electrician has checked them. Once all electrical safety checks have been made, make sure that you use a circuit breaker with any electrical equipment that you may use in, or to clean or repair, your property. Watch out for any fallen power lines and do not approach them - be aware that there is a potential electric shock hazard.

If using a generator for temporary electricity supply ensure you have been instructed on its use and remember the following points for safe operation:

Do not run generators in an enclosed area - engines produce carbon monoxide.
Do let the engine cool off before refuelling.
Do connect the appliance directly to the generator. You should not try to hook generators to your home electrical supply box.

Turn off the gas supply to appliances that have been flooded (or where their vents/flues may have been affected). (see section on gas supplies/equipment)

Do not use water supplies until you are sure that they are safe. Following a flood, only use tap water (direct from the mains supply) or bottled water for washing, drinking or cooking. In extreme cases, warnings will be given by your water authority to boil all water before use. Do not use water from wells and/or cisterns in buildings if these have been flooded. Do not eat food that may have been in contact with the flood water or contaminated surfaces. Clean and thoroughly disinfect all taps, utensils, crockery/cutlery, food preparation surfaces etc. before use and during clean-up period (see section on water systems).

Be careful when approaching any vermin, pests and other animals that may have been disturbed by the flood and taken shelter in your property. These could include mice or rats, stray cats or dogs, or even, in extremely rare cases, snakes which could be poisonous (e.g. adders). If you see vermin in your property contact your Local Council Pest Control Officer and/or set traps. For advice on stray dogs contact your Local Authority Dog Warden, for advice on other animals contact the RSPCA. If you are concerned about snakes contact English Nature or Countryside Council for Wales.

You should be aware that rats urine can lead to Weils Disease (Leptospirosis) if accidentally ingested or contact with open wounds. Initial symptoms are similar to flu. Consult a doctor if this is a concern and advise that you have been flooded and if you have ingested flood water.

Use extreme caution when returning to your area after a flood. Be aware of potential chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery. Flood waters may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers from their normal storage place, including solvents, aerosol cans and industrial chemicals.

Moulds can pose a health hazard (see cleaning and disinfection page).

Remember that you, your family and neighbours are in stressful situations. Take care of yourself and your family. Accept support from family, friends and others. Talk openly about your feelings to release tension. Get proper nutrition and rest. Pace yourself and take one step at a time. Don't be afraid to get help.

20 November 2002

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