Spring is coming soon, and with the beginning of the spring thaw, the risk of rising groundwater levels increases, which can lead to floods and flash floods.
Floods – one of the most common natural disasters. They can occur at any time of the year, most often caused by heavy rains, rapid melting of snow cover, the formation of ice jams and less often due to the collapse of natural or artificial dams. In any case, there is a possibility of flooding of residential and public buildings, as well as other objects, structures (landfills, water supply and sewage networks, basements, cellars, wells, etc.) due to frequent heavy rains, rising levels of rivers and ponds, groundwater. In this regard, water seeks an outlet in lowlands, basements, cellars, communication wells, etc. This can lead to landslides and collapses of the soil, the destruction of residential buildings and structures, bridges and protective dams, erosion of railways and roads, accidents on engineering communications.
At the same time, the risk of food poisoning, outbreaks of acute intestinal infections, and water-borne diseases (dysentery, hepatitis A, rotavirus infection, etc.) among the population is increasing. It is also possible for people to be infected with parasitic diseases and zooanthroponous infections (leptospirosis, tularemia), which are transmitted from mice, rats, and contaminated contact objects (food, feed, household items, etc.). Success in preventing gastrointestinal diseases largely depends on people, their awareness, education, and discipline. Everyone should feel responsible not only for their own health, but also for the health of those around them.
Under such circumstances, it is important to know what to do in the event of flooding of buildings, land plots, facilities, water supply structures, or in the event of contamination of territories.
The State Service for Food and Consumer Protection provides recommendations in case of floods:
- do not use water from flooded wells, boreholes, etc. for cooking, drinking, or household needs. Since chemical or bacterial contamination may occur during flooding, it is better to use bottled water, or piped or tap water that meets sanitary standards for consumption, to ensure drinking and cooking;
- Do not consume products that have been flooded, contaminated, or damaged.
Even if, for example, vegetables or fruits have been under a layer of water for a short time, they can become a source of the spread of infectious and parasitic diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to use only food products of guaranteed quality for food. Food must be heat-treated, and vegetables, fruits or berries must be thoroughly washed with hot water before consumption, then doused with boiling water;
- follow the rules of personal hygiene;
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before eating, after returning from the street, and after each visit to the restroom.
After the water has drained from flooded areas, it is necessary to:
- clean the soil from foreign objects (garbage, branches, etc.) and dig (plow) vegetable gardens and household plots to a depth of 20-25 cm;
- carry out sanitation (cleaning and disinfection) of wells. Use water after laboratory testing confirms its safety and quality;
- Clean buildings and structures of sludge and garbage, carry out disinfection, and in places where rodents may accumulate, carry out deratization;
- In case of overflowing with water, individual toilets should be cleaned using a septic tank and disinfected.
If you experience any signs of intestinal infection (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, etc.), you should immediately contact the nearest medical facility. Self-medication is dangerous to your health!
Following these simple rules and tips will help you avoid illness and maintain your health and the health of your loved ones!