Flood waters may contain substances that are harmful to health. It may contain germs (e.g., bacteria, viruses) and chemicals that could make you sick. Take these precautions:
- If you have open cuts or sores, try not to contact flood water.
- If you are exposed to flood water, keep your skin, especially any cuts or sores, as clean as possible by washing with soap and disinfected or boiled water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage to reduce the risk of infection.
- If you have deep cuts and/or puncture wounds and have not had a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years or are unsure if you have, get a tetanus booster.