Recent Storms in MN Leave Potentially Dangerous Flood Waters

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Flood waters in Owatonna

Flood waters and standing waters can carry infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and other risks of injury. Make sure to wash your hands after contact with flood waters and avoid eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood waters. Children should not be allowed to play in flood waters or with toys that have been contaminated and have not been disinfected. Handwashing is especially important with children and should be done frequently to avoid diarrheal diseases and other hazards.

The CDC provides information on possible infectious diseases after a disaster at: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/disease/infectious.html

Open wounds and rashes exposed to flood waters can become infected. Avoid exposure to flood waters if you have an open wound and make sure to keep wounds clean and covered to reduce the chance of infection. Flood waters also have the potential to move hazardous materials from their normal storage places. They can also displace animals, insects, and reptiles, so it is important to be alert and avoid contact.

For more information please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/extreme-weather/floods-standingwater.html