Avoid Standing or Walking Through Floodwater

Posted On: October 13, 2024

Volusia County Emergency Management officials are reminding residents to avoid standing in or walking and wading through Hurricane Milton floodwaters as they can contain sewage, fertilizers, and other contaminants that can cause injuries and create exposure to infectious diseases, E. coli, salmonella, and chemical hazards. Additional safety tips include: 

• Wash your hands after contact with floodwater or items touched by floodwater. 
• Wash children's hands with soap and water often, especially before meals. 
• Disinfect or throw away toys, clothes, or household items that came in contact with floodwater. 
• Do not drive, walk or swim through floodwater. 
• Don't bathe in water that may be contaminated with sewage or toxic chemicals. 

In addition, no matter how deep it is, flood water can contain hidden threats that could cause life threatening injuries. Children should also avoid playing in flood or standing water and eating or drinking anything exposed to flood water should be avoided.