Flood Safety For Kids
Learn how to keep kids safe after a flood
Children are one of the most vulnerable persons following a flooding incident. They do not know how to keep themselves safe, they are not even aware as to what could potentially harm them.
It is important that parents and caring adults supervise children at all times during and after a flooding incident. And once the flooding has subsided and it is safe to return home, it is important that parents get rid of the health and safety risks posed by flood exposure.
The United States Environment Protection Agency has come up with guidelines parents and other adult caring for children should observe following a flooding incident.
“In formerly flooded or debris-filled areas, children may be at risk of exposure to dirt and debris that potentially have been contaminated with hazardous chemicals like lead, asbestos, oil and gasoline. Since children are different from adults, they may be more vulnerable to chemicals and organisms they are exposed to in their environments. Children can be exposed by direct contact through their skin, by breathing in dust particles or fumes, or by putting their hands in their mouths. It is critical to ensure the safety of living and learning environments prior to children’s return. Due to these concerns, children should not directly be involved in clean-up efforts.”
Download the full guidelines here.
Safe return for children after a flood
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) through its website HealthyChildren.org also came up with an advice for parents during and after flashfloods. In the guide, they including safety measures to take as well as vital information to keep children safe during flood clean up and post-flooding activities. About Us
“Do not allow your children to play in flood waters or with any rocks, mud, or debris that have been in flood waters. The water may have high levels of chemicals or bacteria, including raw sewage from failed lift stations, sewers or septic systems. If you or your child have an open wound that comes into contact with contaminated flood water, you may need a tetanus booster shot to prevent illness.”
Read the rest of the AAP’s advice here.
Caring for babies after a flood
Parenting website BabyCenter also shared tips and advice for parents reeling from a flooding occurrence. In their article they mentioned about the safety hazards children face after a flooding, and how parents can deal with it calmly.
“(1) Find some back up. If you’re alone with your children, try to get another adult to help you. You can’t clean up and watch your kids at the same time. (2) Make it clear which adult is responsible for the safety of the children. Make sure that person is alert and watching the children at all times. (3) Try to remain as calm as possible. Although this is difficult, the calmer you are, the less frightened your children will be. (4) Explain to your children as clearly as you can what’s happened and reassure them that everything will be okay but that they need to listen carefully to your instructions and do as you say.”
Take a look at the rest of the write-up here.
Flooding brings an extra challenge for parents in terms of keeping their children safe. It is critical that parents and adults are armed with correct information on how to deal with flooding in relation to caring for their kids.
San Diego Flood Restoration
If you recently had residential flood damage in your home, the team at Mighty Dry is here to help. Contact us today to get started restoring flood damage in your home.
