Floods are the most frequent natural catastrophes on the planet, and their impacts could grow in the following years because of climate change and shifting populations. Floods pose health hazards that are acute and long-term impacts like displacement and reduced living conditions for every family.
When heavy and frequent rainfall occurs, it leads to floods of all kinds and hazards. Additionally, flooding can have various adverse health effects, both long-term and short-term, ranging from injuries to infection and mental health issues. To ensure that your family and yourself are safe, here are a few flooding risks and the corresponding tips to consider.
Fatalities
Drowning is the primary reason for death in the initial aftermath of flooding. The chance of death will depend on the pace at which flooding occurs, and flash flooding is more hazardous than slowly occurring floods.
Lacerations, orthopedic injuries, hypothermia, electrical, and even burns caused by the flammable and low-density fluids that flow over the floodplains are just a few of the other hazards. Following floods, carbon monoxide poisoning from non-ventilated electrical generators and kitchen appliances is another issue. To avoid drowning, check the tips below.
- Learn to swim and remain at a safe distance from the water. Training in swimming can help reduce the possibility of drowning. However, parents should supervise children when they are near or in the water, even after taking lessons in swimming.
- Learn to carry out CPR. If paramedics are required to arrive and help you, your CPR skills could save a person’s life. For instance, American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, many organizations provide online and in-person CPR training.
- If a flood happens, be sure to stay in high-level areas. It can help minimize other risks. If an emergency, such as flooding, you may check websites like puroclean.com for a quick intervention from the experts.
Infections
Floods are often the source of sewage that has been pumped out of farms or sewers and contaminate the water with different bacteria. The floodwaters that don’t have biohazards could contain harmful bacteria like legionella, which could cause death from pneumonia. If you get caught in floodwaters, one of these bacterial risks can infect an open wound or even a tiny cut. Don’t risk it.
If germs, bacteria, or fungi get into your wound, it will develop an infection that could hinder healing and, if not treated, can lead to worse effects. Redness and swelling, continuous bleeding, delayed or no indications of recovery, or constant discomfort are indicators of an infected injury. To make sure that family members are safe, take the following steps:
- If you’ve got an open injury, keep clear of floodwaters.
- Dress open wounds with waterproof bandages to reduce the chance of contracting an infection.
- Make sure to clean open wounds with soap and water that is clean so that they remain as clean as you can.
- If a cut is bleeding, red, or begins to leak, seek medical attention immediately.
- Find the most up-to-date information from professionals or restoration firms that offer water damage Hillsboro for more details.
Mental Health Risks
Although most people affected by natural disasters recover with help from their family, friends, and colleagues, the impact on specific individuals’ health, relationships, and wellbeing may be long-lasting and severe. Floods can lead to grave mental and social issues that could be a problem for months or several years. Flooding can put even the most resilient people’s psychosocial capacity on the line. Here are some tips to consider to help you or someone else deal with health issues:
- Consult a financial advisor. The loss of your job, home, or the impossibility of working due to natural disasters could result in an overwhelming economic burden that people believe they have to shoulder on their own. Financial advisors aren’t the only people who come into your mind when disaster happens; however, they should be among the initial people you consult when establishing the plan for rebuilding your life. Consulting a financial expert can ease your mind and point you to the right place for additional sources or programs tailored to your specific needs.
- Limit your news consumption. It is a world with access to news on the radio, television, and the Internet 24/7. The continuous playback of news reports concerning a tragic or devastating event can increase anxiety and stress and prompt people to replay the event. To recover and get over it, limit how much news you read or listen to and participate in activities that relax you.
