Floodwater is Dangerous to Your Kids

Floodwater is dangerous to you and your kids. Be aware of the different reasons below.

Raw Sewage

Disease-causing micro-organisms like E Coli, Hepatitis A, Cholera are just some of the germ infestations that we can find in raw sewage. It is extremely dangerous to victims who have open cuts and wounds that can be severely infected by contaminated water.

Raw sewage can contain the following:

Urine & Feces
Feminine sanitary products like tampons
Toilet paper
Cleaning products
Laundry products
Personal hygiene products like shampoo and soap

Whatever has been flushed down the toilet or down the drain goes to floodwater and is considered as raw sewage!

Contaminated floodwater may cause upset stomachs, intestinal problems, headaches and other flu-like symptoms; for open wounds watch for redness, oozing pus, swelling and soreness.

Hazardous waste

Factories or uneducated individuals could have dumped different chemicals in rivers or that are harmful for the body.

Dead & decaying animals
Vehicle fluids like oil, gas, anti-freeze
Decaying & rotting vegetation
Toxic chemicals
Pestiides, herbicides, fertilizers and animal waste

Sharp Objects

Flood water may contain sharp and dangerous objects that are potential risks to unsuspecting victims who are walking in floodwater. These unseen sharp objects may puncture or cut your skin. Sharp objects submerged in floodwater can cause tetanus, E. Coli, and staphylococcus (staph infections).

These sharp objects could be

Broken glass
Barbed Wire
Metal fragments
Trees & branches
Syringes from garbage

Potholes, open manholes and hidden rocks

Children (and adults) may lose their footing and strain a muscle or turn an ankle or worse they could be knocked unconscious and drown, if they trip over hidden rocks or slip into open manholes or potholes.

Floodwater can camouflage potholes, open manholes and hidden rocks. Open manholes can become suction devices that can sweep away victims in an instant.

Water source contamination

Potable water may not be safe to drink, used for cooking or cleaning after a flood. Floodwater can contaminate potable water with bacteria, sewage, heating oil, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals and other substances that can cause serious diseases. Always assume that your water is contaminated until fully tested. Teach your children to refrain from the following: