Health Precautions in relation to flooding
Flooding can contain pollutants which can contaminate property, both internally and externally. They may also adversely affect the health and well being of a person coming into contact with them.
Some guidelines which may help are as follows:
Garden or External Flooding
The following notes provide some guidance on how to deal with external flooding to gardens, paved areas etc.:
- Hard surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected (We suggest you keep off these areas for 3 hours after disinfection);
- It is not normal practice to apply disinfectant to cultivated areas as this can kill plants, however if you decide to do so, then only a very mild disinfectant should be applied;
- Do not hose down the garden as this will saturate the ground and prolong the life of the bacteria
- Do not dig over or rake the affected area as this will spread contamination further into the soil where lack of light will prolong the life of bacteria;
- Tests have shown that it is best to let nature take its course as ultra violet radiation in sunlight is very effective in killing bacteria.
Property Flooding
Flood waters often contain sewage and other pollutants hazardous to health. Combat this by applying basic hygiene precautions which include:
- Washing hands after exposure;
- Decontaminating footwear by washing and treating with a mild disinfectant; and
- Keeping children and pets out of the contaminated area.
Where sewage is clearly visible in flood waters, or in material deposited by flood waters, decontamination should typically involve:
- Removing excess liquid (pumping/sweeping, as appropriate);
- A thorough clean up to remove any debris or faecal contamination;
- Leaving the contaminated areas to dry; and
- Applying a mild disinfectant;
Industry tests have shown that using this approach, disinfectants should remove all traces of bacteria within 24 to 48 hours.
