Don't Walk through Floodwaters

Posted On: October 9, 2024

Volusia County Fire Rescue's HazMat Team reminds residents that floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards and injuries. Protect yourself, your loved ones and pets by following this advice from the Centers for Disease Control:

Floodwater can contain:

• Downed power lines
• Human and livestock waste
• Household, medical, and industrial hazardous waste (chemical, biological, and radiological)
• Coal ash waste that can contain carcinogenic compounds such as arsenic, chromium, and mercury
• Other contaminants that can lead to illness
• Physical objects such as lumber, vehicles, and debris
• Wild or stray animals such as rodents and snakes

Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infections, skin rash, gastrointestinal illness, tetanus, and leptospirosis. If you come in contact with floodwater:

• Wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. If you don't have soap or water, use alcohol-based wipes or sanitizer.
• Take care of wounds and seek medical attention if necessary.
• Wash clothes contaminated with flood or sewage water in hot water and detergent before reusing them.

If you must enter floodwater, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles.

Volusia County Fire Rescue also advises residents to:

• Wash their vehicles, especially the undercarriage, after driving through floodwater.
• Keep your pets out of floodwater. If they come in contact with floodwater, bathe them thoroughly.