[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); vector-borne (West Nile Virus); bacterial (tetanus) spores; and fungal (histoplasmosis) spores found in dust, dirt, 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, cook, or clean with after a flood. Water can become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, sewage, heating oil, 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.
- Conduct well and pump inspection.
- Perform emergency disinfection of wells that have been flooded.
- 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.
- 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 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. Natural disasters create a tremendous amount of additional stress and anxiety. You may develop major depression, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. [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.
Fact Sheet
Heat Illnesses
Disaster recovery is physically strenuous, especially in hot temperatures. High humidity can boost the temperature by 15 to 20 degrees or more. Intense heat exposure can cause heat-related illnesses. signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, loss of consciousness, nausea, and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.
Prevention Tips
- Take frequent rest and water breaks.
- Wear light-colored clothing.
- Use the buddy system to identify heat-related symptoms.
- Use water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.
- Understand signs and symptoms.
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.