Flood Safety Tips for First Responders

3/19/2019 (Permalink)

Our owner wades through floodwaters in a neighborhood in Muscle Shoals which was heavily impacted by recent flooding.

Know The Procedures You Should Take To Keep Yourself Safe

If you are a first responder in Muscle Shoals and your area has been damaged by floodwater, you are likely eager to start helping others. However, it’s important to know how to protect yourself as you help with the flood response in your area.

1. Wear the Appropriate Clothing

When you enter a home that has sustained damage from floodwater, it’s essential to protect yourself by wearing the appropriate clothing. Since floodwaters can contain mold and other hazardous materials or waste, it might be necessary to wear a mask. Protective clothing, such as gloves, boots and other items can often prevent you from becoming sick or injured as a result of working in a flooded location.

2. Get Vaccinated

As you help with the flood response in your location, you may be exposed to a variety of biohazards. When taking care of a patient or helping someone out of a flooded home, you might be exposed to potentially dangerous elements. The CDC requires responders to receive tetanus and Hepatitis B vaccines, though you can speak to your physician and ask if there are other vaccinations that could benefit you as a first responder. By being vaccinated, you’ll be equipped to handle a variety of situations without risking illness.

3. Be Aware of Hazards

Even with the right clothing and immunizations, it’s important to know that floodwater can contain, or can cause, various hazards. If floodwater is quick-moving, know the procedures you should take to keep yourself safe. Regardless of the situation, take the time to think about your safety.

Knowing how to keep yourself safe as a first responder can in turn help you protect others. As you work to help others, know that it can be useful to work with experts in flood damage restoration in order to fully restore homes.