RCB Alert. In the southwestern part of Poland, contact with flood water may pose a threat to people and animals. Experts from the Government Security Center sent an SMS alert to mobile network recipients in three provinces.
“Caution! Contact with flood water may pose a threat to human and animal health. Do not eat food that has been in contact with water – throw it away regardless of the condition of the packaging” – an SMS warning with this content was sent on Monday, September 16, in the afternoon to recipients in the following provinces:
- Opole;
- Lower Silesian;
- Silesian.
This is what RCB warns against:
- avoid contact with flood water. Wear waterproof clothing and wellies to minimize the risk of skin contact with contaminants;
- After any contact with flood water or objects contaminated with it, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 30 seconds;
- use only filtered or bottled water for drinking and preparing meals. Flood water may contain dangerous pathogens and chemicals. Follow the Sanitary and Epidemiological Station websites for information on water suitability for consumption;
- If flood water has entered your home, thoroughly disinfect all surfaces it came into contact with;
- If animals have been exposed to floodwater, consult your veterinarian. They may need to be examined and given appropriate preventive medication;
- pay attention to any symptoms of illness, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or diarrhea. If these occur, consult your doctor immediately.
Recommendations of the Chief Environmental Inspectorate
– In some places, people will slowly return home. Let's remember not to eat products that were flooded under any circumstances – emphasized the spokesman of the Central Sanitary Institute, Marek Waszczewski. Food products that we stored in refrigerators or freezers, and due to power outages, these devices were out of order, may also pose a threat.
When asked about other recommendations for residents of flood areas, he said not to approach flood waters.
– It is known that there are situations in which a flood wave will find us at home, but if it is not necessary, we should not approach it – he noted.
The spokesman also noted that flood water carries a wide variety of contaminants and microorganisms. He mentioned faecal bacteria and E. coli bacteria, among others.
– In the event of contact with this water, you need to pay close attention to your health. If any symptoms appear, especially stomach symptoms – symptoms of poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature – you should contact a doctor as soon as possible – he appealed. He said that if flood water flooded a private well, it should not be used.
Waszczewski emphasized that the situation will be difficult even after the water recedes. Then there will be a need to disinfect premises. One of the tasks of the sanitary authority will be to support local communities together with local governments in this regard. This will happen as soon as normal functioning is restored in these areas.
How to Call for Help During a FloodMinistry of Interior and Administration
How to behave in the event of a flood threat
RCB reminds that in the event of a flood threat, you should:
- listen to warning and emergency messages on local radio or television;
- move valuable items to the upper floors of the building,
- make sure your mobile phone is fully charged at all times,
- move vehicles from the property to non-threatened locations,
- secure the building and prepare sandbags.
Let us remember that the services should be immediately informed about cases that we believe are or may be significant for security, by calling the emergency number 112 – appeals the Government Security Centre.
How to prepare for a floodTVN24