should we take flooding seriously!

Even when there is not a flood, rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs can be dangerous under normal conditions: 

“Water may look harmless, but it  can hide strong flows. Water can  be deep and powerful, especially  near weirs and sluices. Always be  aware of the risk of possible injury  or even death when around water”. (Environment Agency) 

Urban flood water typically carries 20 to 30 different diseases,  especially if drains have backwashed and if sewerage is present. In rural areas contamination is more likely to come from agricultural  chemicals and animal waste. 

There are two types of leptospirosis infection that can affect people  in the UK:  

      • Weil’s disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection that is  transmitted to humans by contact with urine from infected rats. 

      • The hardjo form of leptospirosis is transmitted from cattle  to humans. Exposure to rats, rat or cattle urine or to foetal fluids from cattle  presents the highest risk. 

Farmers are the main group affected by  this disease but anyone in contact with canal and river water is also potentially at risk. Leptospirosis is much less severe if treated  promptly.  

      • Cover all cuts and broken skin with waterproof plasters before and  during your duties. Protecting your hands can prevent infection. 

      • Wash your hands in clean fresh water after handling any animal  or coming into contact with flood water and always before eating,  drinking or smoking.

      • Carry an antibacterial hand wash and treat your hands regularly if you come into contact with flood water. 

      • Seek medical advice immediately if you or anyone else is affected  by diarrhoea, fever or abdominal pain. 

 After a flood, equipment such as footwear, high visibility clothing and  gloves may become contaminated with sewage and pollutants.  

      • Wash all items thoroughly before they are used again. 

      • Any items that may have been contaminated should be stored so that contamination    cannot spread to other items and should not be used again until they have been thoroughly cleaned. 

Items that have been contaminated and cannot be cleaned to an acceptable standard should be disposed of. 

Contact your local  authority for advice on safe and proper disposal. 

By attempting to unblock a drain during a flood you could: 

      • Be placing yourself at risk due to the suction effect that happens when  a drain is unblocked. This could well cause you to become trapped. 

      • Also inadvertently cause damage to the drain, introduce material  that could contribute to the blocking or simply cause the blockage to shift further along the drainage system. 

Do not attempt to unblock drains during a flood or remove drain covers at any time unless you have been trained or authorised to do so. 

Refer  any blocked drains to the appropriate local authority.  

After flooding, electrical hazards may exist long after the water  dissipates. To maintain your safety and that of others remember the  following:  

      • Look out for fallen power lines. • Do not enter flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the  ground is wet unless you are certain the power is off. 

      • Never assume any part of a flooded electrical installation or  appliance is safe.

      • If water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and  electrical equipment, turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse  on the service panel. 

      • Do not turn the power back on until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician. 

      • Do not turn on any electrical equipment if it has been underwater until it has been inspected by a qualified electrician. 

These items  may work and appear safe but once they have been underwater,  they could cause electrocution or fire. 

Flood water can damage the controls of gas appliances. Safety features  can become blocked, even if the gas controls appear to operate  properly. 

      • If you suspect a gas leak: don’t light a match, avoid using any  electrical appliance, do not turn lights on or off, or use a phone, as  these electrical items may produce a spark. 

      • Check for gas leaks. If you smell gas or hear gas escaping, turn off  the main gas valve, open windows, leave the area immediately, and  report the leak when safe to do so. Ensure any works are carried  out by a qualified gas engineer. 

Hypothermia is a condition in which the normal body temperature  of 37°C (98.6°F) drops below 35°C (95°F).  Whilst hypothermia is most common in cold environments, it is also possible to get it in mild weather. 

For example, if you get soaked in  a rain shower and do not dry off properly soon afterwards. Water  evaporating from your skin reduces your body temperature. 

     • Make sure you’re dressed appropriately before you go outside.  

     • Wear layers of clothing to trap air; this will help to keep you warm  (tightly woven and waterproof clothes are best). 

     • Drink plenty of fluids and hot drinks (not alcohol) and eat regular,  balanced meals to give you energy.

     • If you show signs of hypothermia, stop what you are doing and  seek medical attention. 

     • Listen to the advice of others as they may identify the signs of  hypothermia before you do. 

 • Shivering. • Feeling cold. • Low energy. • Cold, pale skin. 

• Violent, uncontrollable shivering.

• Being unable to think or pay attention. 

• Confusion (some people don’t realise they   are affected). 

• Loss of judgement and reasoning. 

• Difficulty moving around or stumbling   (weakness). 

• Fumbling hands and loss of co-ordination. 

• Drowsiness. 

• Slurred speech. 

• Listlessness and indifference. 

• Slow, shallow breathing and a weak pulse. 

• Loss of control of hands, feet, and limbs. 

• Uncontrollable shivering that suddenly stops. 

• Unconsciousness. 

• Shallow or no breathing. 

• Weak, irregular or no pulse. 

• Stiff muscles. 

• Dilated pupils.