Floods can be devastating not just emotionally and economically, but they can wreak havoc afterward on day-to-day life through the loss of infrastructure and health-related problems. The worst thing that can be done in dealing with a flood disaster is nothing. Being prepared to recover afterward will not eliminate the devastation but it will provide hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.
Health
Floodwaters can cause health and disease problems in many ways. The water can provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which may lead to increased mosquito-born diseases such as West Nile Virus. The water itself often has infections organisms such as E. coli and salmonella. You should watch for the following symptoms; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, muscle aches and fever. The health problems are often caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Tetanus can come from contaminated dirt or water coming into contact with cuts or injuries. The symptoms may take weeks to show and can start as headaches, difficulty swallowing and difficulty opening the jaw. Do everything possible to get everyone to keep clean. Wash hands frequently with soap and water that has been declared safe, boiled properly or chemically cleaned. Wear protective clothing in areas where water may be contaminated with chemicals. Make sure tetanus shots are up to date and visit the doctors right away for any potential health issues.
Housing
Floodwaters can do significant damage to a house even if the water does not rise very high in the house. Many houses may be unlivable during the cleanup and repair, which can unfortunately take weeks or even many months in the best of circumstances. Before entering a house, the gas and electricity should be turned off. Wear rubber boots and protective waterproof gloves, and have a first aid kit nearby and stocked. Keep track of all expenses and take pictures for insurance reasons. Papers can be frozen and placed in plastic to be dealt with at a later time. The house's structure needs to be checked for cracking, damage, and undermining. The walls and whole house must be checked for damage. Remove all standing water with pumps. Remove water-damaged and soaked items. Anything that has been contaminated with sewer water should be thrown out. Clean out the entire house and shovel out any silt or dirt before it dries. The walls will need to be disinfected, and depending on the level of water, the walls may need to be torn down and rebuilt. Have all of the mechanical and electrical systems checked out by professionals before using. Turning on the heat will help dry out the house, but make sure the system is clean and has been thoroughly checked by a professional.
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