Critical health safety during flood

MNA Lifestyle Desk: During flood and following a widespread flooding disaster, many questions arise about our critical health safety. Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in Bangladesh. As much as 90% of all damage from natural disasters is caused by floods.

Flooding typically occurs after heavy or prolonged rainfall, or the rapid-melt of snow. While the effects of floods can be devastating, there are simple steps families can take to keep their safe.

Personal health and safety is a priority for everyone. The following information is aimed at preventing both disease and injury by answering many common concerns and providing valuable preventive health tips.

Warn about flood

Spend time with your family discussing why floods occur. Explain that flooding is a natural event and not anyone’s fault. Use simple words that even young children can understand. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Use or listen to a local station on a portable, battery-powered radio or television. Listen for and respond to flood watches and warnings. Evacuate if told to do so or if you feel unsafe.

Follow guidance of authorities

Local authorities, such as elected officials and first responders, are most informed about affected areas and most knowledgeable which flooded areas to avoid. During a flood you should move to higher ground and avoid standing, flowing, or rising water. Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwater as it’s likely to be dirty, carry bacteria, and vulnerable to electric shock.

Keep clean

Wash hands frequently (always before meals) and ensure they bathe after being exposed to flood waters or flood-damaged areas. Do not play with toys that have been contaminated by flood water and have not been disinfected. Materials that cannot be readily disinfected, such as stuffed animals or pillows, should be discarded.

Ensure utilities

Before return to flood-affected areas, ensure utilities such as electricity and plumbing are restored and living and learning spaces (e.g., homes, schools, child care facilities) are free from physical and environmental hazards. Children and teens should not be involved in clean-up efforts but should return after the area is cleaned up.

Before children return, these areas should be cleaned and disinfected, along with all toys, clothing, etc. Skin contact with flood water, by itself, does not pose a health threat unless you have an open wound. The fecal material in sewage contains disease organisms, but it doesn’t pose any risk unless you take it into your mouth.

Mosquito control

Currently there is evidence that mosquito numbers in parts of the state are high and causing considerable nuisance. As weather cools down, mosquitoes are likely to decline in the coming weeks. Public health advice currently is for people take personal protective measures to avoid mosquito bites and consequent risk of disease.

Take proper medications

Some medicines require storage in a refrigerator (between +2 and +8 degrees centigrade). Examples of these medicines are vaccines, insulin, thyroxine tablets, and some re-constituted antibiotic medicines for children.

Because temperature sensitive medicines lose potency (effectiveness) if not refrigerated, they should be replaced with a new supply as soon as possible. For example, insulin that is not refrigerated will have a shorter shelf life than the expiration date shown on the package.

Stay away from flood water

You should always assume that disease organisms may be present in flood water or backed-up sewage. But common sense – and basic hygiene – can help you keep the risk low. Skin contact with flood water, by itself, does not pose a health threat unless you have an open wound. The fecal material in sewage contains disease organisms, but it doesn’t pose any risk unless you take it into your mouth.