Health Dept.: Residents Reminded to Avoid Floodwater Following Heavy Rains, Storms, Especially Children

BRANFORD, CT — 'Turn around, don't drown!' isn't just for cars, the East Shore District Health Department cautions.

"After a storm, it's important to stay out of floodwater; it may look harmless, but it isn't," the department noted. "With heavy rain and flooding affecting our community, Branford Emergency Management and East Shore Health District want to remind residents to avoid floodwater following a storm."

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Given in the last couple of weeks, torrential rain has fallen, flooding streets and neighborhoods and shuttering beaches, the advice is timely. And especially with the latest forecast calling for more heavy rains.

According to the National Weather Service, "excessive rainfall" is possible from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday night. The NWS noted that a "slow-moving low-pressure system will bring heavy rain and thunderstorms with flooding of low-lying, flood-prone areas.

"Floodwater can pose a drowning risk for everyone, regardless of their ability to swim," the health department advised. But also added that "Floodwater and standing water can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards, and injuries."

Floodwater can contain:

• Downed power lines;
• Bacteria, viruses, and other germs;
• Sharp objects like broken glass and other debris;
• Human and animal sewage
• Physical objects and obstacles like lumber, vehicles, open drains, and electrical dangers; and
• Other chemicals and pollutants like hazardous waste, oil, and gasoline that can make you ill.

You cannot determine whether floodwater is safe simply by looking at it. Even water that appears clean may be contaminated.

"Everyone, especially children, should stay away from floodwater and standing water," per the ESDHD. "Please keep children away from flooded streets, yards, drainage areas, streams, and other standing or moving water until the area has been determined to be safe."

Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infections, skin rash, gastrointestinal illness, tetanus, and other illnesses.

"The best way to protect yourself is to stay out of the water," health officials said.

They advise that should you come in contact with floodwater, wash the area with soap and clean water as soon as possible. And, 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," officials said. " A few minutes of fun is not worth the risk of exposure to sewage, dangerous bacteria, chemicals, hidden debris, or electrical hazards."