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Floods may come unexpectedly and destroy homes, roads, and lives. From 1998 to 2017, floods affected over 2 billion people worldwide, mostly those living in floodplains, in buildings not specifically designed to be flood-resistant, or with poor warning systems. Preparation is the best way to save lives when such tragedies occur.
Preparedness starts with establishing a community first aid network. This involves working together with your neighbors, sharing resources, and learning community first aid skills in order to take care of each other in times of need.
In this guide, we are going to walk you through the usual accidents that occur during a flood, safety, essentials to include in your emergency first aid planning kit, and how to clean up afterwards. Let’s prepare together!
Floods not only have the capability of damaging property, but they also pose serious health and safety risks to humans. The strong currents, hidden hazards, and unhygienic environments can lead to a number of accidents. Some of the most common injuries and hazards to which humans are exposed during a flood are:
In floods, deep or flowing water can sweep you away quickly. Children, the elderly, and non-swimmers are at greatest risk. Shallow-moving water is also dangerous. Never try to walk or drive through floodwater, as it can knock you down or carry your vehicle away. A study of the 1994 Georgia flood found that 71% of flood deaths were associated with submersion in automobiles.
Floodwater becomes extremely dangerous when it comes into contact with live electrical sources. Since water conducts electricity, stepping into flooded areas near exposed wires or electrical outlets can cause serious or even fatal shocks. Stay away from any downed power lines, and if water starts to enter your home, have the electricity shut off immediately to prevent accidents.
Floodwater often contains dirty substances like sewage, garbage, and harmful chemicals. If it touches your skin or open wounds, it can cause infections. Floods can compromise sanitation, leading to outbreaks of diseases like cholera, hepatitis A and E, and typhoid fever. Always wash with clean water after contact with floodwater. If a cut becomes red, swollen, or painful, seek medical help right away.
Floods can move heavy and sharp objects like broken glass, wood, or metal. These items can float in the water and injure people. Walking through floodwater can lead to cuts, bruises, or worse. In New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina, 22% of surveyed police officers and firefighters reported lacerations, and 17% reported sprains or strains. Always wear strong shoes and be careful where you step during clean-up.
Staying wet and cold for a long time can make your body lose heat quickly. This can lead to hypothermia, where your body temperature drops too low. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, and tiredness. Get dry, wrap up in blankets, and seek shelter if this happens.
Floods can force animals like snakes, rats, and insects out of their homes and into flooded areas. These animals may hide in water, homes, or debris piles. In New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, 10% of surveyed emergency personnel reported animal bites or stings. Always check your surroundings before touching or moving items, and wear gloves when cleaning up after a flood.
Floods can put entire communities at risk, so it’s important to act quickly and work together to stay safe. When everyone knows what to do, it helps reduce harm and protect lives. Steps taught during disaster response training to stay safe during floods are
Ensure that everyone in your home and community stays informed about official flood alerts through radio, television, or phone notifications. Share important updates with neighbors, especially the elderly or those who may not have access to alerts.
If you live in a low-lying area, move to higher ground as soon as possible. Encourage others to do the same. Checking on nearby families or neighbors during this time can save lives.
Before water enters homes, help each other turn off electricity, gas, and water if it’s safe to do so. This prevents fires or electric shock and protects the whole neighborhood from additional hazards.
Warn others not to walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Just six inches of moving water can knock someone over, and two feet can carry a car away. Floodwater may also carry chemicals, sewage, or hidden debris.
Keep vital records like identification, insurance papers, and medical documents in waterproof containers. Remind others in your community to do the same so they can recover more easily after the flood.
If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately and help others do the same, especially seniors, children, and those with disabilities. Stick to the designated evacuation routes for everyone’s safety.
Floods can lead to many injuries and health risks, so knowing community first aid is very important. Quick action can save lives and prevent problems from getting worse. Simple first aid steps to include in your flood-preparedness guide are:
If someone is drowning, call for help immediately. If it’s safe, carefully pull them from the water. Check if they are breathing and if they have a pulse. If not breathing, start CPR right away. Keep going until help arrives or the person starts breathing again.
Wash the wound with clean water to remove dirt and germs. Apply gentle pressure using a clean cloth or bandage to stop the bleeding. Cover the wound to keep it clean. If the cut is deep, dirty, or doesn’t stop bleeding, get medical help quickly.
Do not touch someone who is in contact with electricity. Turn off the power source first. Once it’s safe, check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. If not, start CPR. Always call emergency services right away, even if the person seems okay.
If someone is cold and shivering, dry them off and wrap them in warm blankets. Give them warm drinks if they’re awake, but never hot liquids. Don’t use direct heat like heaters or fires on the skin. Hypothermia can be dangerous, so get medical help quickly.
After a flood, clean any cuts or wounds as soon as possible. Use clean water and soap if available. Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus. If these appear, or if the person has a fever, reach out to your physician as soon as you can.
Being prepared before a flood happens can help keep you safe and protect your home. The right supplies and protective products can reduce damage and make emergencies easier to handle. Essential items and tools you should include in your emergency first aid planning kit:
| Item | Description |
| Emergency Kit | A bag with all the basics you need to stay safe during a flood. |
| First Aid Kit | It helps treat small injuries like cuts, scrapes, or insect bites. |
| Flashlights and Batteries | It provides light when the power goes out, and keep extra batteries ready. |
| Bottled Water | You need at least 1 gallon per person each day for drinking and cleaning. |
| Non-perishable Food | Canned or packaged food that doesn’t spoil and lasts at least 3 days |
| Blankets and Warm Clothes | Help keep you warm and dry if you’re stuck without heat or shelter. |
| Medications and Supplies | Keep all needed medicines and medical items in a waterproof container |
| Product | Description |
| Sandbags or Water Barriers | Help block floodwater from entering your home. |
| Waterproof Door Seals | Seal doors to keep water out during heavy flooding. |
| Sump Pumps and Water Alarms | Pump water out of basements and alert you if water starts rising. |
| Raised Storage Units | Keep items off the ground to protect them from water damage. |
| Plastic Sheeting and Duct Tape | Useful for covering and sealing windows or other open areas. |
Preparing for a flood before it happens is one of the best ways to stay safe. A little planning can help protect your family, home, and belongings when water levels rise. Steps you can take to get ready for a flood emergency:
Start by learning if your home is in a flood-prone area. Check maps or ask local officials. Know the flood evacuation routes in your area. This helps you act quickly and safely if flooding happens, and it helps your family understand where to go and what to expect.
Create a simple emergency action plan with your family. Choose a safe meeting place in case you get separated. Make sure everyone, including children, knows what to do in a flood. Practice talking about floods calmly so your family is ready to respond without panic.
Talk to your neighbors and make a plan to help each other. Check on elderly, disabled, or sick neighbors. Share supplies if needed and decide who can help with transport or first aid. Working together can make your whole community stronger and safer during a flood.
Hold flood drills at home just like fire drills. Practice how to leave quickly and safely. Check your emergency first aid plan kit and make sure everything works. Go over basic first aid steps so everyone knows how to help if someone is injured. Practice helps you stay calm in critical medical emergencies.
Prepare your home to keep floodwater out. Install sump pumps and backflow valves to remove water and stop it from coming in. Raise up electrical items and valuables to avoid water damage. Clean gutters and drains so water can flow away from your home more easily.
Floods can be scary, but being prepared is all that matters during the crisis. Start by creating a flood emergency plan with your family, know where to go, who to call, and what to carry. Keep your community first aid kit updated and practice safety drills regularly. Encourage your neighbors to do the same so your community becomes a support system, not just a group of individuals. After the flood, don’t rush. Wear protective gear while cleaning up, and stay alert for hidden dangers like sharp debris, mold, or damaged electrical lines.
Want to be even more prepared? Consider taking a Bloodborne Pathogen Training Course. It teaches you how to handle exposure to bodily fluids safely, which is important to know when providing first aid or dealing with flood-related injuries.
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