Sudden heavy rainfall can lead to flooding in your home or business. In extreme cases, there can also be risk to your life and safety. In addition to drowning, exposure to pollutants in the flood water can pose health hazards. It may become toxic with sewage, chemicals and bacteria. There is an increased risk of contracting water-borne illnesses like cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and malaria from standing flood water.
Preparation is key to surviving a flood. Here are some important steps you can take to increase your odds of surviving and thriving after a flood in your area:
Medical and First Aid
Prepare a first aid kit that contains basic medical equipment and medications that you might need if you are displaced from your home. Keep it on an accessible upper floor or cabinet to protect it from getting contaminated by flood waters. Include mosquito repellant in this kit, as mosquitos thrive in wet conditions and are the biggest carriers of malaria.
Clean and Disinfect
Keep as clean as you can in flood conditions. Avoid touching contaminated water and items and disinfect your hands immediately if you make contact with it.
Confirm Water is Safe Before Drinking
Your water supply can become compromised in flood conditions. Stick with sealed bottled water whenever possible, or only drink municipal water that has been tested and confirmed as safe to consume.
Discard All Contaminated Items
From food and medicine to carpet and furniture, it is always safest to discard items that have been exposed to flood water. If it is a hard-surfaced item that can be thoroughly disinfected, you might be able to salvage it. Anything porous, absorbent or edible should be discarded.
Update Your Flood Insurance
Another key step for flood preparedness is making sure you have adequate flood insurance. Most homeowner policies do not include it, so you’ll have to seek it out on your own. Consider Inszone Insurance for flood protection. We’re an all-in-one insurance agency working with the best carriers to help you connect with the right flood insurance coverage for your needs and situation.
Leo Simental
