How Can I Stay Safe From Waterborne Pathogens After Flood Damage in Miami?

6/2/2020 (Permalink)

Flood water that makes its way into your home can contain waterborne pathogens and be dangerous for you and your family

SERVPRO Gives Tips on Managing Floodwater in Miami

Florida frequently warns travelers to be careful of waterborne pathogens in foreign climes. Residents of Miami know that waterborne pathogens are not a daily concern. After all, America has a safe water system designed to provide water suitable for drinking straight out of the faucet. However, if a flood occurs here in the United States, there is a risk of diseases carried by the floodwater, especially if it becomes contaminated with feces from overflowing sewers or sewage tanks. In the event of flood damage, SERVPRO recommends being cautious about waterborne illnesses – it is better to be safe than sorry.  

After flood damage to your Miami home, stay alert to the risk of water carrying diseases. Water carries pathogens that lead to severe sicknesses such as cholera, dysentery, Legionnaire's disease, and hepatitis A. However, some simple precautions help keep you safe.  

Be careful of open wounds or rashes, as open lesions on the skin might become infected. Keep any cuts, scrapes, or rashes clean and covered at all times to reduce the risk of infections. If possible, keep your whole body protected from floodwater using coveralls, waterproof clothing, and rubber gloves whenever you encounter the floodwater. Never walk barefoot.  

Soft furnishings in your home are not safe to keep. We do not recommend trying to salvage anything that is dampened or soaked by floodwater. Discard any wet carpets, drapes, and soft furnishings such as couches, chairs, mattresses, and bedding. Hard surfaces need to be thoroughly scrubbed and disinfected. It is a good idea to call SERVPRO for assistance – we have the know-how and equipment to remove hard surfaces safely.  

Be extremely cautious with what you eat after a flood. Canned food is safe to eat, but any fresh or packaged food that comes in contact with floodwater needs discarding.  

Use only bottled or boiled water for bathing, brushing your teeth, and drinking (bottled is better) until you are confident the supply is safe. Always follow advice from official channels.  

For help with flood cleanup in Key Biscayne, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, and the surrounding area, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 today. 

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