Flood Safety: How to Stay Safe Before, During, and After a Flood

Flood Safety: How to Stay Safe Before, During, and After a Flood

Flooding can change a familiar place in a matter of hours. Roads disappear beneath moving water, buildings take on water, and hazards that are normally easy to spot can become hidden from view. But the risks don't end when the water starts to recede. The cleanup and recovery that follow can pose their own dangers, including contaminated water, unstable structures, electrical hazards, mold, debris, and carbon monoxide.

Whether you're preparing for a flood, responding while water is rising, or helping with cleanup afterward, knowing what to look for can help prevent injuries and illness. From staying out of floodwater to using the right personal protective equipment and understanding your safety rights, a few basic precautions can make a big difference.

Prepare Before the Water Rises

A little preparation can go a long way when a flood is possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  recommends having an emergency water supply of at least 1 gallon (3.8 liters) per person and pet, per day, for at least three days. It also recommends keeping emergency supplies ready, monitoring local warnings, and knowing where to evacuate if necessary.

If an evacuation order is issued, follow it. Do not wait to see how high the water gets.

Stay Out of Floodwater

Floodwater is more than water. It can contain sewage, animal waste, chemicals, medical waste, sharp objects, debris, and disease-causing germs, according to the CDC. It can also contain displaced animals, such as rodents and snakes.

The safest choice is to avoid floodwater altogether.

That includes avoiding the temptation to walk through a flooded street because the water appears shallow. Moving water can knock a person down, while standing water can hide holes, debris, and other hazards.

If you do come into contact with floodwater, the CDC recommends washing the affected area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you have an open wound, keep it clean and seek medical attention if it shows signs of infection.

Never Drive Through Flooded Roads

A vehicle can provide a false sense of security during a flood.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), nearly half of all flood fatalities are vehicle related. Six inches of standing water can be enough to stall some cars, one foot of water can float a vehicle, and two feet of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.

Water can also conceal damage to the road underneath. If a road is flooded, turn around rather than trying to cross it.

Watch for Electrical Hazards

Flooding and electricity are a dangerous combination.

The CDC warns that downed power lines can be hidden in floodwater. Never touch a fallen power line, and avoid water that may be energized by a damaged electrical system.

If there is standing water inside a building, do not enter it to reach an electrical panel. If the main power switch can be reached from a dry location, it may be possible to shut off the power; otherwise, contact a qualified electrician. The CDC recommends having an electrician inspect the electrical system before power is turned back on.

Be Careful When Returning

Seeing the water disappear can bring a sense of relief, but a flooded building may not be safe to enter.

The CDC recommends returning during daylight when possible and using battery-powered flashlights instead of candles or open flames. If a flooded building has been closed for several days, assume that mold may be present and allow the building to air out before spending extended time inside.

Flooding can also contaminate drinking water. Follow local guidance before using tap or well water, and use bottled, boiled, or properly treated water if the supply is considered unsafe.

Know Your Rights

Flood cleanup can be demanding, but being asked to work in a disaster area does not mean you have to accept unsafe conditions.

OSHA  protections give employees the right to a workplace that does not pose a risk of serious harm and to receive information and training about workplace hazards in a language and vocabulary they understand.

They can also raise safety concerns, report serious hazards to OSHA, and request an inspection without fear of retaliation. OSHA keeps the identities of people who file complaints confidential.

If someone believes they have been retaliated against for exercising their safety rights, OSHA generally requires a complaint to be filed within 30 days. Knowing your rights can make it easier to speak up when something does not look or feel safe.

Take Your Time with Cleanup

Cleaning up after a flood can bring its own set of hazards.

OSHA notes that flood recovery may involve contaminated materials, unstable structures, hazardous chemicals, electrical hazards, and other risks. Work such as utility restoration, hazardous-material cleanup, and search and rescue should be handled by people with the proper training, personal protective equipment (PPE), and experience.

The right personal protective equipment matters, too. OSHA's flood cleanup guidance recommends:

• Watertight boots with steel toes and insoles
• Gloves
• Long pants
• Safety glasses

Sneakers should not be used because they do not provide protection from punctures, bites, or crush injuries. A safety helmet may also be necessary when falling debris is a possibility.

For everyone else, slow down and assess the area before beginning cleanup. Wear appropriate protective equipment, keep children and pets away from contaminated areas, and do not take unnecessary risks simply to get the job finished faster.

The water may be gone, but that does not mean the danger is. When it comes to flooding, knowing when to stay out can be just as important as knowing what to do next.

For more OSHA tips on cleanup following a flood, click here.

 

Tags: CDC, Emergency Preparedness, Flood Safety, OSHA, Storm Safety, Weather Emergency,

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