Why is flood water dangerous

Flooding and flood waters are dangerous and can increase your risk of drowning for a number of reasons: conditions can change quickly e. Flash flooding is flooding that develops very quickly from short, intense bursts of rainfall such as from severe storms. Sometimes the onset of flash flooding comes before the end of heavy rains. Swift action is essential to the protection of life and property as water levels can rise extremely quickly, in some cases rising metres in minutes.

Some flash flooding occurs away from where the rain fell, thus creating a false sense of safety. Always keep an eye on the water level when in, on or near rivers and go to safety as quickly as possible if the water level starts to rise.

Between and , 89 drowning deaths happened in Australia as a result of driving through floodwater. Learn how to become a qualified lifesaver. This training will enhance your personal survival skills while providing you with the knowledge and skills to develop the level of judgement, technique and physical ability required to safely carry out water rescues.

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And even after the immediate dangers of drowning or being swept away have passed, storms can also create dangerous conditions that last long after the wind and rain have stopped. In addition to the health risks associated with power outages and damaged plumbing, floodwater itself can harbor bacteria and disease-carrying organisms that pose a risk to evacuees, rescue workers, and anyone returning to their homes after a hurricane.

One of the biggest risks of swallowing floodwater is ingesting a bacterium, virus, or parasite that causes a gastrointestinal illness, says Dr. But these symptoms can also become serious and can cause life-threatening dehydration.

Cryptosporidium , Giardia , E. However, if you do find yourself covered in fire ants after accidentally touching a mound, brush them off as quickly as you can. A less terrifying but also dangerous hazard is the increased presence of mosquitoes. Mosquitoes breed in water, and as floodwaters spread, their breeding grounds become massive and allow many more than normal to appear.

Widespread floods could expose you to mosquitoes that carry dangerous diseases, and treatment can be hard to find following a severe storm. Keep insect spray close by and try to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to give the mosquitoes fewer places to bite. According to NOAA , a mere six inches of rushing water can knock an adult down and feet of water can stall and sweep away most cars. Currents are deadly. Keep children out of the water and never walk in floodwaters yourself, even if they look shallow enough to be safe.

Sharp items like nails, broken glass, bits of metal and other unsafe materials can lead to severe injury and infections. If you can, avoid walking through flood waters. Otherwise, be sure to wear protective shoes and pants before moving through the water. Like many natural disasters, flood water can cause structural damage to buildings. It is unsafe to enter homes or businesses without the proper clearance. If you are stuck inside your home, leave right away if you hear shifting noises or other unfamiliar sounds.

These noises could mean that parts of your home are preparing to collapse. Flood waters are likely to be contaminated by oil, gas leaks, pesticides and other toxic materials. If you come into contact with these waters, you may experience signs of chemical poisoning, including:. As always, avoid moving through flood waters whenever possible, especially in areas that are known to contain toxic chemicals.

Fecal bacteria from humans and animals seeps into flood waters. If you ingest or come into contact with this kind of organic waste, you can experience:. Do not walk through flood waters if you can avoid it. Call for help. Professionals wearing the right gear can come get you, if necessary.