Floods are the most frequent natural hazards in North americas and it seems that we have had to endure a good number of them recently.

A devastating flood can occur at any time of year and in most cases are caused by torrential rains, the rapid melting of thick snow, ice jams, or more rarely, the failure of a natural or man - , Dam.

One of the main issues that affect all people living in an area that has been flooded is that of food and water safety.

Food safety after a flood

In case of doubt - Where!

You should inspect food that has come anywhere near flood water very, very carefully. Floods contaminated water can lead sludge, chemical wastes, petroleum products and even sewage, which can make damaged by the storm foods unsafe to eat.

Even the slightest contact with floodwater can lead to contamination. It is not a simple basic rule: all foods that have touched floodwater should have. This includes all fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish and eggs. Food in glass jars, including all unopened bottles. Discard all food in bags and all the windows of containers and packages.

The only exception to this rule would be food in sealed containers without damaging metal cans. These are safe for use, as long as you thoroughly clean and disinfect the cans before opening.

This means that you must remove the labels thoroughly wash and scrub with a brush in a strong detergent solution containing chlorine and then rinse well in clear water. The chlorine solution should be half cup bleach to one gallon of water. You can use rubber gloves to protect your hands during this process.

Be prepared

This brings up the question of being prepared for a disaster. Nothing will help you and your family through any emergency situation and is preparing to do so.

It may be up to three days before emergency services are up and running in your area. Having a kit of emergency preparedness, stored high and dry, you can literally be a lifesaver.

A provision of food, drinking water and some other arts such as light sticks, Dynamo FM radio, flashlight, hygiene kits, water parties, Candles emergency kit and sanitation supplies, first aid will be invaluable for you and your family.

Cooking utensils and kitchen utensils

If your kitchen and cooking utensils have come into contact with floodwater, which require special treatment.

Take apart any item that can be cleaned in pieces. If possible, remove handles of pans.

Wash all china, glass plates, cups and pots and pans that have been in contact with flooding.

Use hot soapy water and a brush to remove dirt. Rinse and then place them in a solution of chlorine bleach for at least 10 minutes and then rinse well with clean water. The chlorine solution should be half cup bleach to one gallon of water.

Disinfect silver, metal utensils, pots and pans and boiling in clean water for 10 minutes.

Chlorine should not be used in this case because it reacts with many metals and causes them to darken. Throw away the dishes with cracks, as well as soft, porous plastic or wooden items saturated with floodwater, since they can not be disinfected. These include bottles, nipples and pacifiers. They can not be safely disinfected.

Drinking Water

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink!

After a flood, you should assume that all water sources are contaminated until proven safe.

Boil all rain and tap water and water containers are not completely safe. Use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking or preparing food, washing dishes, cleaning, brushing your teeth, wash their hands, make ice, and bathing until your water supply is tested and safe.

There are also some excellent Bottles of water filtration and water filters emergency in the market that are very effective in producing potable water from almost any source of water. These are the same systems that are used by U.S. military during the Katrina disaster.

If you use a private well for water, make sure you have tested the water before resuming their use. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to wash your hands if you have a limited supply of drinking water.

Floodwater

Avoid contact with floodwater if possible, but if you’re wading in floodwater during or after the disaster, remember that you will contact many harmful pollutants that can make you sick. Always wash after contact with floodwater.