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Flooding and health

Floods can happen when there is a lot of rainfall over a short space of time and the ground, rivers and streams cannot cope to drain away the extra water fast enough. During a storm, coastal areas may experience coastal floods from a rise in the sea level and the bad weather conditions.

Drowning is the most immediate health risk. Serious injury can be caused by falling into fast-flowing water or from hidden dangers under the water, such as missing manhole covers.

Flood water may be polluted by sewage, chemicals and animal poo that can cause a wide range of disease.

Other risks include being stranded, having no power or clean water, stress and anxiety. 

There is a serious danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from fumes from petrol or diesel heaters and generators. These should not be used indoors to dry out homes and buildings.

Plan ahead

If you are flooded

  • Follow the advice from the emergency services.
  • Avoid contact with flood water. Do not walk, drive or allow children or pets to play in floodwaters.
  • If you have to go into the water, wear waterproof gloves and rubber boots and remember to be careful of hidden dangers.
  • Keep any open cuts or sores clean and dry. Wear waterproof plasters and bandages can help.
  • Wash your hands especially after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing food – this is the most important way to get rid of harmful bugs. If you do not have clean water, use hand sanitiser gel or wet wipes.
  • If you become ill after accidentally swallowing floodwater or mud, particularly if you develop diarrhoea, a fever or stomach pains within 10 days of being in contact with floodwater or sewage – contact NHS 111 Wales or your doctor.
  • Do not switch on electrical appliances that have been in contact with floodwater until a qualified electrician has checked them as there is a risk of electrocution.
  • Have your heating and cooking appliances serviced by a Gas Safe engineer, even if they seem to be working normally. There is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if they are not working properly.

Floods and children

  • Do not allow children to play in floodwater.
  • Wash children’s hands frequently and always before meals.
  • Parents with infants that are unwell with diarrhoea and vomiting after contact with floodwater should seek medical advice from NHS Direct 111 or your doctor.
  • Do not let children play on muddy paved or concreted areas until they have been cleaned. Sunlight and soil help destroy harmful bugs so it is usually safe for children to play on grass after a week or so.
  • Wash floodwater-contaminated toys with hot water and detergent. Soft toys can be put in a hot (60°C) machine wash.

Cleaning up

  • Put on protective clothing: rubber boots, an apron and waterproof gloves. A standard face mask, such as those sold in DIY stores, is also a good idea if you are scrubbing, hosing or pressure-washing. Goggles offer added protection and they can be reused after thorough washing.
  • Clean all affected hard surfaces, including walls, floors and furniture with hot soapy water, using an ordinary household cleaning products. Allow to dry thoroughly as this will also help to destroy germs left behind.
  • Do not mix any cleaning products together or with bleaches as this may release dangerous fumes.
  • Wash soft fabric items on a hot cycle (60°C or higher), which will destroy most germs. Items that cannot be put in a washing machine will need to be cleaned professionally. Specialist cleaners should be advised that the item has been exposed to floodwater. If this is not possible, they may have to be put in the bin.
  • Wash all clothes worn during the clean-up separately.
  • Heating and good ventilation will help with the drying process. Leave doors and windows open whenever possible and safe. You can help this process by using fans, air conditioning units and dehumidifiers.
  • Do not use petrol or diesel generators indoors for drying out homes and buildings. There is a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning that can kill.
  • Don’t forget to wash your hands regularly and to take regular breaks in the fresh air.

Food safety after a flood

For information on:

  • Safe food preparation and storage
  • Preparing baby food
  • Home-grown fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Disposing of flood-damaged food

visit the Food Standards Agency website

Flooding and mental health

Don’t underestimate the stress and strain of being flooded and cleaning up. Take the time to consider your own and your loved one’s mental health and well-being.

Do not overdo it when cleaning up. Feeling tired, upset or anxious or having difficulty sleeping are normal after being flooded. If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health, seek support from family and friends, your GP or other expert help.

If you are helping someone who has been affected by flooding, there are simple ways you can offer support:

  • Try to become familiar with the nature of the flooding event, identify how those affected can access help and whether there are flood risks in the future.
  • Check that they are safe and help them to make contact with flood recovery agencies if needed.
  • Check that there are no immediate physical health needs, for example, they may require an ambulance or a hospital visit.
  • Ask about needs and concerns such as access to food, water, shelter and medication.
  • Help people to contact their loved ones and others who can provide familiar sources of support.
  • Help to identify practical, safe ways to help their needs and access to services.
  • Listen, provide information if you have it, and help people to make plans for next steps.

Further sources of help

National Flood Forum A charity to help, support and represent people at risk of flooding.

Flood Re helping insurers to help householders at risk of flooding.

Food Standards Agency website.