Following Nashville and Middle Tennessee's widespread flooding, there are several health risks that may present problems for unprepared residents.
One form of accidental death during flooding is electrocution due to exposed electrical wiring that are in or near water sources. When entering flooded basements and other rooms, ensure you are wearing rubber or plastic footwear and not exposing damp skin to water.
Additionally, hypothermia may occur if falling into or wading through water, especially at night or in overcast weather. A small drop in internal body temperature may signal the onset of this dangerous condition. If wet, dry off and get warm quickly! Do not go to sleep when damp from wading through water!
Sight-seeing is a natural event that occurs, but soft ground and swift streams may cause falling injuries and possible drowning. One to two days following flooding, rivers and streams may still be rising. Children who get too close to the edge of a familiar stream may become a drowning victim. The soft bank may crumble and the rapid waters may sweep the unsuspecting curiosity seeker away.
Standing water in spring may contain bacteria that may quickly spread infections such as E. coli, resulting from pet and human feces contamination. The use of standard precautions against disease is important now as always. Ensure drinking water is safe for consumption and frequent hand washing must be maintained following a flood. Also, gasoline and other dangerous chemicals may be in the water supply, so treat all flood water as unsafe of human usage.
Foot conditions associated with flooding: trenchfoot
Tips for reentering your flooded house
How to clean up flood water
List of health and safety guidelines for flooding
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