Other Hazards
Swiftly
Flowing Water
If you enter swiftly
flowing water, you risk drowning -- regardless of your ability to swim.
Swiftly moving shallow water can be deadly, and even shallow standing
water can be dangerous for small children. Cars or other vehicles do not
provide adequate protection from flood waters. Cars can be swept away or
may break down in moving water.
Animals
Many wild animals
have been forced from their natural habitats by flooding, and many
domestic animals are also without homes after the flood. Take care to
avoid these animals, because they may carry rabies. Remember, most
animals are disoriented and displaced, too. Do not corner an animal. If
an animal must be removed, contact your local animal control
authorities. Your local and state health department can provide
information about the types of wild animals that carry rabies in your
area.
Rats may be a problem
during and after a flood. Take care to secure all food supplies, and
remove any animal carcasses in the vicinity by contacting your local
animal control authorities.
If you are bitten by
any animal, seek immediate medical attention. If you are bitten by a
snake, first try to accurately identify the type of snake so that, if
poisonous, the correct anti-venom may be administered.
Chemical
Hazards
Use extreme caution
when returning to your area after a flood. Be aware of potential
chemical hazards you may encounter during flood recovery. Flood waters
may have buried or moved hazardous chemical containers of solvents or
other industrial chemicals from their normal storage places.
If any propane tanks
(whether 20-lb. tanks from a gas grill or household propane tanks) are
discovered, do not attempt to move them yourself. These represent a very
real danger of fire or explosion, and if any are found, police or fire
departments or your State Fire Marshal's office should be contacted
immediately.
Car batteries, even
those in flood water, may still contain an electrical charge and should
be removed with extreme caution by using insulated gloves. Avoid coming
in contact with any acid that may have spilled from a damaged car
battery. |
