A flood can be a high stress event even on the best of days, but unless you have the luxury of another home to go live in if one is wiped out, flooding is going to significantly change your life on virtually every level. In most cases, it goes beyond the flood damage to your home and into the arena of parasites, disease, and psychological stress.

Recent flooding in Canada saw over 3000 homes flooded in a period of days. Government agencies breached a dike on the Assiniboine River, intentionally flooding another 150 homes but saving over 800 from damage.

Floodwaters often mix with sewage, containing human and animal waste material. This may contaminate well water and food, putting residents at risk for disease and other serious health issues.

Sewage alone contains numerous bacteria, viruses, and micro-organisms. E-coli, salmonella, and gastroenteritis are some of the risks associated with it, causing vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and fever. Parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidium may cause diarrhea and abdominal cramps that may last a month or longer.

Seven people died and about 2,500 others became ill in 2000 when E. coli contaminated the municipal drinking water system in Walkerton, Ont. In 2001, 7,100 people became ill and 1,907 cases of cryptosporidiosis were confirmed in North Battleford, Sask., after a water filtration plant failure. Flooding was not a factor, however, in either case.

Of course the other major health problem associated with flooding (or any kind of water damage) is mold. Mold may pose special problems for people with asthma or other allergy symptoms; they may experience stuffy nose, irritated eyes, wheezing, skin irritation, and even more serious disorders such as lung infections.

In addition to mold, another problem that occurs as the result of standing water is the breeding ground for mosquitoes that may carry the West Nile Virus. While reported cases of this disease have been on the decline, it is still a very real threat and should not be ignored.

Contaminated water may also cause infections if exposed to cuts or sores, so protective clothing should always be worn when working in and around flood waters. Protective eyewear is also recommended as germs can gain access to your system if contaminated water gets splashed in your eyes. If you believe you may be dealing with mold, a face mask is suggested or better yet, a respirator, designed to filter out any harmful spores.

One problem that is not as widely talked about is the psychological stress that may result from flooding, caused by the significant changes brought about in their lives as a result of the flooding.

With all the risks involved in dealing with water damage, it makes little sense to try and repair the problem on your own. Your best choice in such matters is to contact your local IICRC certified water damage restoration company. These professional outfits are available 24/7 and prepared to deal with all of the circumstances outlined in this article. They can be at your home within an hour of your call, ready to begin the water cleanup and restoration procedures that will return your home or business to its pre loss condition.

IICRC certification means that the company you choose will be fully staffed, up to date on all the latest water damage repair equipment and techniques, and offer a full range of services from basic water extraction and drying, to more involved processes such as carpet cleaning and mold remediation.

Don’t put your home or health at risk…call your local IICRC professionals today for a free estimate or phone consultation.

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