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MDHHS Tips To Stay Healthy And Safe During Flood Events

After Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued a state of emergency in response to this weekend’s floods, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is providing guidance to Michiganders on how to stay safe and healthy during flood events.

“Flood-affected residents are encouraged to monitor health and safety alerts issued by their local media and local health departments as flooding can create dangerous conditions,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health at MDHHS. “Floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards and other injuries.”

If flooding occurs in your area, MDHHS recommends the following actions to protect you and your family:

During floods:

  • Stay out of flood waters.
    • Flood water moves faster than it appears and can carry debris, which might injure you. Additionally, there is a danger of electrical shock from downed and exposed power lines.
  • Avoid driving in flood water.
    • Vehicles can easily be swept away. If you are stranded and surrounded by flood waters, wait for rescue personnel rather than attempting to walk or drive through flood waters.
  • Flood water can be dangerous to your health.
    • According to the CDC, flood water can contain dangerous bacteria and other pollutants, including raw sewage. Flooding can lead to contaminated ground water, drinking water and carry sewage from sewers or septic systems into yards and basements.
    • MDHHS encourages Michiganders who get their drinking water from wells to get their well water tested following a flood event.

After floodwaters recede:

  • Use caution when reentering a home or building that has been flooded.
    • If you can, return to your home during the day so you do not have to use any lights. Use battery-powered flashlights and lanterns, rather than candles, gas lanterns or torches. Do not turn power on or off or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and notify the gas company or the police or fire departments. Do not return until you are told it is safe to do so.
    • If your home has been flooded and has been closed up for several days the CDC recommends washing and sanitizing flooded areas of home and clean up visible mold.
  • Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during cleanup after a flood.
    • Make sure you have the right safety gear including hard hats, goggles, N95 masks, waterproof and steel toe boots, earplugs if working with noisy equipment and rubber boots and gloves if sewage contamination is suspected or when using cleaning products such as bleach.
  • Never use generators, pressure washers or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices inside your home, basement, garage or even outside near an open window, door or vent.
    • Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas from these sources that can cause sudden illness and death.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
    • Avoid electrical lines, debris, insects and wild or stray animals.
  • When in doubt, throw it out.
    • Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water; perishable foods that have not been refrigerated properly due to power outages; and food with an unusual odor, color or texture.
  • Flood waters can increase the population of mosquitoes and raises the risk for being infected.
    • Mosquitoes, which can carry West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, breed in standing water. Regular use of EPA-approved mosquito repellents while outdoors can protect you from mosquitos.
  • Take care of your emotional health.
    • During and after a disaster, it is natural to experience different and strong emotions. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family and your community recover from a disaster.

For more information, contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942 or your local health department.

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