Proper hand hygiene is always important, but the Renfrew County and District Health Unit say it’s especially important if you’re affected by flooding. They say that flood water can be contaminated which increases your risk of infections.
Communications and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Health Unit Melissa Botz says that your well water could be contaminated with bacteria causing gastrointestinal illnesses. These illnesses could cause vomiting or diarrhea, she says.
Botz adds that you should wash your hands with alcohol-based hand rub which contains 70 to 90-percent alcohol. She also recommends wearing rubber boots and gloves if you are working in flooded areas.
“We want to make sure everyone is taking care of themselves,” she says. When it comes to food she says that if any food was touched by flood water, don’t take a chance and throw it out. She says many resources are available to make sure everyone can take the proper safety precautions and are available on the Health Unit’s website.
Written by Devon Jolander