[Illustration of a farmstead flooding, with hazards highlighted. The hazards are discussed below.]
[Logo: AgriSafe Network: Protecting the people who feed the world.]
Human and Animal
Floods can potentially increase the transmission of communicable diseases: water-borne (Hepatitis A); bacterial (tetanus) spores; gastrointestinal distress (E. coli) and fungal (histoplasmosis) spores found in dust, dirt, raw sewage, animal droppings, and animal carcass. [Simple illustration of a pig.]
Prevention Tips
- Remove standing water.
- Use only NIOSH approved N95 (or greater) respirators fitted to your face.
- Use watertight, steel toe boots or waders, and waterproof, cut-resistant gloves.
- Follow state guidance on carcass removal.
Fact Sheet
Well Water
Water may not be safe to drink, brush teeth, cook, or clean with after a flood. Water can become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, sewage, petroleum products, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals, and other substances that can cause serious illness. [Simple illustration of a water droplet.]
Prevention Tips
- Sample and test the well water through a certified water testing lab.
- Conduct well and pump inspection.
- Perform emergency disinfection of wells that have been flooded (ex. shock chlorination).
- Follow health department drinking and bathing advisories.
Fact Sheet
Chemicals
If a chemical, pesticide, fertilizer, or hazardous waste spill occurs, chemicals might be released from barns, homes, and other sources into the environment. Chemical spills could release vapors or chemical fumes. Local and state authorities will provide further guidance. [Simple illustration of a gas can.]
Prevention Tips
- Wear appropriate clothing, including cover-alls, liquid and chemical resistant boots or waders, gloves, and safety glasses to control, contain, and clean up.
- Use only NIOSH approved respirators, such as chemical cartridge respirator for organic vapors with added pre-filter.
Fact Sheet
Mold
Mold is part of the natural environment. Higher concentrations of mold and bacteria can be found after a flood. This causes the production of Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs), which emit chemical-like odors and can become noxious respiratory and mucous membrane irritants. [Simple illustration of a mold spore.]
Prevention Tips
- Wear safety goggles.
- Use only NIOSH approved N95 (or greater) respirators fillted to your face.
- Use waterproof, cut-resistant gloves.
- Properly ventilate area.
Fact Sheet
Stress
After a natural disaster, you’re dealing with the extra stress of current conditions, along with the daily stress of farm operations. Common reactions include powerlessness, hopelessness, and fear. You may develop major depression, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Physical signs and symptoms of stress include headache, back pain, muscle tension, nausea, and decreased appetite. [Simple illustration of the silhouette of a person’s head.]
Prevention Tips
- Be proactive by recognizing potential signs of stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Know your local resources where you can go for help.
- Adequate sleep (7 to 8 hours) is critical to the recovery process.
- Prioritize doing one activity daily that brings you joy.
Fact Sheet
Cold Stress
Extremely cold or wet weather is a dangerous situation that can cause occupational illness and injuries such as hypothermia. Early symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion, and disorientation. Prolonged exposure can also lead to frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. [Simple illustration of a snowflake.]
Prevention Tips
- Wear approprite dry clothing to protect the ears, face, hands, and feet.
- Move into warm locations during breaks; limit the amount of time outside.
- Carry extra gear, clothes, and a thermos of hot liquids.
- Include chemical hot packs in your first aid kit.
- House generators outside in a well-ventilated area.
Fact Sheets
This list of risk factors is not exhaustive. For example, other risks may include electric shock, drowning, falls, and structural hazards.
Learn about entering and cleaning up flooded homes.