Flooding Advice for the General Public

Overview

Flooding can happen at any time in a wide variety of locations, from a range of sources individually or combined. For example:

  • Pluvial flooding can occur due to intense rainfall events and overland flow
  • Fluvial flooding can arise from rivers or streams
  • Coastal flooding from the sea or estuaries
  • Groundwater flooding – in Ireland, typically this is from turloughs
  • Other sources e.g. from blocked drains or pipes

Flooding is the most common and widespread of all natural disasters. It poses a number of risks to our health, and can cause us damage, loss or harm in a variety of ways, such as...

  • Physical injury, illness, stress and even loss of life
  • Damage to home and businesses
  • Impacts on critical infrastructure e.g. roads, water supply
  • Environmental impacts

 The information under the headings below provides advice to help you prepare for flooding, and to protect your and your loved ones’ health, before, during and after flooding events.

  • Prevention and Preparedness
  • Response
  • Impact on Your Physical and Mental Health
  • Further Resources

How You Can Prepare for Flooding

Key Things to Think About

If you live in a flood risk area, it is important to prepare and plan for the potential for a flooding event, so that everyone knows what to do if a flood occurs. If you would like to assess whether your property is at risk of flooding, you can do so by visiting the Office of Public Works website, Flooding.ie

Taking a proactive approach helps you to mitigate the impact of flooding on your health, safety and wellbeing. As part of planning and preparedness for a potential flooding event, you should

  • Identify and stay informed via resources that provide regular updates and information on the weather and flooding risk e.g. alerts from local/national weather services, Flooding.ie  
  • Create a flood kit that can be easily found if needed, with practical items that will help you if flooding occurs. For example, a first aid kit, clothes that are waterproof and warm, a torch, rubber gloves, waterproof boots, and blankets.
  • Develop and maintain a plan for evacuation of your home or business, if required during a flooding event. This should include your evacuation route and destination. You should also consider vulnerable members of your household e.g. the elderly, children, and those with disabilities, and any pets. The plan should also include a list of essential items you would need to take with you e.g. essentials for children (such as sterilised bottles, nappies, milk, baby food), medication.
  • Write a list of your most valuable possessions and where they are stored – this will be helpful if you need to move them quickly to safety.
  • Consider how to communicate with loved ones or staff in your business in the event of a flood. Emergency numbers should be stored in your mobile phone, or kept close to your phone.
  • Practical steps in relation to preparedness for your property can be found here  
  • A template flooding preparedness plan can be found via Flooding.ie

Special Considerations for the Elderly

Extra preparation for flooding is important if you are an elderly person, particularly if you are living alone. Here are some key things to consider:

  • Plan an evacuation route and destination, especially if you live in a bungalow or basement. You should always keep a key upstairs if you have window locks, so that rescuers can access through these if needed.
  • Keep an up to date list of important and useful contact numbers e.g. family, neighbours, your Local Authority, local Garda station, local health services, insurance company and emergency services.

 

How You Can Protect Your Health during Flooding

Flooding can have major impacts on many aspects of health, including physical and psychological. Drowning and injury present very real hazards, and floodwater can disrupt drinking water supplies as well as destabilise important structural components of homes. It is important to take precautions to protect yourself. Performing careful hand hygiene using soap and clean water is an important and easy way to prevent infection. If in contact with floodwater, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves and a mask, to reduce the chances of catching an infection from the water.

Health threats associated with flooding:

  1. Drowning and Injury
  2. Infection from Food and Water Biological Contamination
  3. Electrical Hazards
  4. Chemical Contamination
  5. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

 This section outlines useful advice to help you protect your health from these risks, which include:

Drowning and Injury

Do not underestimate the power and force of floodwater - 150 mm (six inches) of fast flowing water can knock you over and 600mm (two feet) of water will float your car.

Be mindful that you often cannot see the ground through floodwater and that manhole covers may have come off and there may be other hazards and obstacles hidden beneath the water.

Floodwater may also be much deeper than you think, and prolonged flooding can damage the structure of roads and pavements – be extremely careful when walking, or if driving on flooded roads.

Always remember to wear appropriate clothing/footwear and stay visible, especially in the dark.

Children should never play near floodwater or around pumps or sandbags.

Coastal seawater can be very rough during floods and storms – beware of unexpected large waves that could knock you off your feet.

Infection and Biological Contamination

Water Safety

During a flood, water can become contaminated with biological material like sewage. It is important to make sure your drinking water supply is not contaminated and to avoid contact with obviously contaminated water.

The best ways to prevent infection are to avoid contact with floodwater, and to wash your hands well with soap and clean water if you do.

Always remember to wash your hands before preparing or eating food.

If your water supply is contaminated, use alcohol gel/wipes.

If you do need to go into the water, make sure to wear appropriate PPE (rubber boots, waterproof gloves, eye mask/googles) and be careful of hidden dangers.

Any produce grown in a garden exposed to floodwater should not be eaten unless it has been adequately washed and cooked.

Drinking Water

Floodwater can damage the public water supply for drinking water. In the event of contamination of the public water supply, you will be advised by the water services authority, Uisce Éireann, who may issue a “Do not Consume” or “Boil Water” notice.

If your drinking water supply is by private well, check it has not been affected by floodwater.

Consider water unsafe to consume if it has been covered by floodwater or if the smell, colour, or taste has changed.

Water that is considered unsafe to consume (whether from public supply or private well) should not be used to wash dishes, wash food, wash hands, shower or bathe in, make ice with, or used in baby formula.

If you are concerned that the public water supply might be contaminated, contact the water services authority, Uisce Éireann.

If a “Boil Water” notice is issued, always remember to take care boiling water. It is usually safer to boil water in a kettle than with pots and pans. Always keep young children away from pots and pans to avoid scalding injuries.

For infant bathing, bottled water or baby wipes are both safe alternatives – as young children might ingest small amounts of water during bathing.

Those with contact lenses should speak with their optician and take extra care – contact lens saline solution should be used for cleaning lenses, and bottled water for washing hands.

Food Safety

Floodwater can cause harmful infections in food and can contaminate food storage and preparation areas.

Make sure to thoroughly clean food preparation areas and your hands before preparing or eating food. If water supplies are contaminated, do not use water to clean hands or surfaces – instead use alcohol gel/wipes or antibacterial wet wipes.

Clean all utensils, pots, crockery etc before food preparation. Wooden utensils, such as wooden spoons or chopping boards, if contaminated by floodwater should be thrown out.

If power supplies have been disrupted, be mindful that refrigerated or frozen food might have spoiled.

Fresh produce from a garden or allotment that has been contaminated with floodwater should be thrown away and not consumed.

Make sure to clean the inside of your fridge and cupboards if they have been contaminated by floodwater.

Infant Formula

If there is a problem with your drinking water, bottled water can be safely used to make up infant formula.

If you are expecting a baby soon, you may wish to consider breastfeeding until flooding has resolved and conditions are safer. Breastfeeding is good for your baby, including helping to protect your baby from infections.

It is best not to use bottled water labelled as "Natural Mineral Water" for making up formula. This type of water can have higher levels of sodium and other minerals. It can be used if no other water is available as it is important to keep babies hydrated. However, it should be used for as short a time as possible.

Ready-to-use infant formula, that does not need added water, can also be used.

Sewage

When water levels are high, this can cause sewer systems to overflow, and this can be harmful if the water supply becomes contaminated.

The Environmental Protection Agency provides advice for those who may have damaged septic tanks. If your septic tank relies on electrical parts, have the entire system checked by a professional engineer.

Electrical Hazards

If you are being flooded or in danger of being flooded, turn off your electricity supply, if it is safe to do so.

Do not turn on gas or electric systems if there is a chance they have got wet during a flood. These devices should only be turned back on once they have been checked by a registered gas engineer or electrician.

If you think your car battery has got wet, have your car checked by a registered mechanic as car batteries can leak dangerous chemicals.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

This risk relates to the cleaning-up and drying-out phase after flooding (see further advice on this phase ). Carbon monoxide can be produced when ANY fuel is burnt, including oil, gas, wood, coal, petrol and diesel. If a person is exposed to carbon monoxide over a period of time it can cause illness and even death.

Protecting yourself and others

Petrol or diesel generators and other fuel driven equipment should never be used in unventilated spaces:

  • The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which, without good ventilation, can quickly build up to poisonous levels.
  • The same risk is carried by portable grills, camp stoves, paraffin- fuelled heaters or other devices using gasoline, propane or natural gas.  These should only be used in well-ventilated spaces.   

If you experience dizziness, headaches or disorientation, the appliance should be switched off immediately, you should move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical advice.

Chemical Contamination

Chemical contamination can occur during flooding as agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides, can run from flooded farmlands. If you are concerned about chemical contamination of the water supply, contact your local authority.

Oil or petrol films may be visible on floodwater. It is recommended to not disturb these films, as they will generally recede with floodwater. Any remaining oil or petrol can be cleaned with detergent after floodwater has receded. Avoid all smoking and fire sources when near petrol films.

 

How You Can Protect Your Health after Flooding

This section outlines advice for protecting your health after flooding has occurred, including:

  • The clean-up phase
  • The drying-out phase
  • Living in your flood damaged home

Protecting your health during the clean-up phase after flooding

Key Points

  • All flood water should be considered contaminated, i.e. dirty.
  • Wash hands with soap and clean water before and after clean-up activities.
  • Cover cuts and sores with waterproof plasters.
  • Wear waterproof boots and plastic or rubber gloves.
  • If hosing or pressure washing, both of which cause a lot of splashing, you may use a face mask and/or goggles.
  • Take care with electrics, gas and sharp objects – you can read safety advice on electrical and gas appliances at the following links, by Uisce Éireann and Gas Networks Ireland
  • Follow manufacturers' instructions on cleaning products.
  • Keep children safe:
    • Store cleaning products, in their original containers, out of sight and reach of children.
    • Empty mop buckets and basins immediately after use.
    • Make sure children don't have access to garages or garden sheds which may be left open to dry them out. Remember that poisons, tools, heavy objects, etc. are often stored there.

Safety when using household bleach

  • Keep all cleaning products out of reach of children at all times.
  • Use bleach with care and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Do not mix bleach with other cleaning products or chemicals. This may release dangerous gas.
  • Bleach can burn skin and cause permanent eye damage, particularly when it is in concentrated form (straight out of the bottle).
  • Avoid touching your eyes when handling bleach. If possible wear goggles. If bleach splashes into your eyes, rinse immediately with lots of cold water (for at least 15 minutes) and consult a doctor.
  • Wear rubber household gloves to protect your skin. Take off gloves and wash your hands with soap and water before using the bathroom, eating or smoking.
  • To protect your skin against splashes, wear old clothes that cover your arms and legs completely.
  • To dilute household bleach, follow the instructions on the bottle - usually 8 capfuls to 5 litres of water.
  • To avoid exposure to fumes open the container and prepare the solution outdoors or in a well-ventilated room and make sure the area you are working in is kept well-ventilated.
  • It is safer to add bleach into water rather than water to bleach.
  • Store household cleaning products in secure overhead cupboards. Use cupboard safety locks.
  • Throw away unused bleach solution following cleaning.
  • Empty basins and all buckets when finished and put away out of reach of children.
  • Brushes and sponges should be discarded when the cleaning is complete.

What and how to clean*

  • Remove mud and dust.
  • Scrub hard surfaces (including walls, hard-surfaced floors and furniture) with hot/warm soapy water and detergent.
  • Then disinfect the surfaces by wiping with bleach solution (follow manufacturer's instructions).
  • Do not use bleach on carpets or wooden floors as it can damage furnishings and fabric.
  • Clean and disinfect taps using dilute bleach if they were in contact with flood water and then run the taps for a few minutes.
  • Wash all delph, pots and pans and cooking utensils.
  • All food preparation surfaces and equipment must be cleaned thoroughly and disinfected (following manufacturer's instructions). Always move food out of the way or cover it to prevent chemicals getting into food.
  • Dispose of any food and packaging that had contact with floodwater.
  • If your electricity has been off for more than 24 hours, the food in your freezer is probably not safe to eat and you should discard it.
  • Wash bedclothes and other soft fabric articles, such as children's soft toys, on a hot cycle (60oC or higher) - this will destroy most germs that may be present.
  • When washing clothes used for cleaning, ensure this is on a separate cycle from your other clothes.
  • Other contaminated soft furnishings that cannot be put in a washing machine will have to be cleaned professionally.

* If items are likely to be the subject of insurance claims, speak to your insurance company first.

Cleaning up outside your home

  • Hard surfaces such as tarmac and concrete paths can be washed down with a bleach solution.
  • Stay off these surfaces for 3 hours after treating with bleach to allow the product to work.
  • Bleach can damage wood and metals so use a regular household detergent (washing up liquid) to clean these materials.
  • Do not dig or rake lawns or borders as this can spread the bacteria deeper in the soil. Ultraviolet rays from the sun will destroy bacteria over time. This can vary from 6 days in the summer to 20 days in colder/winter conditions, depending on the soil type. 
  • Gardens (grass areas) should not be used for recreational purposes for about 2-3 weeks.
  • Make sure garden sheds are not accessible to children during drying out time.
  • Do not eat any food grown in a garden that has been flooded unless it has been washed and cooked.

Rats and Pests

  • Rats may move in after flooding but they are generally wary of humans.
  • Put rubbish in hard bins or keep rubbish away from your home.
  • Avoid approaching rats.
  • If you are bitten by a rat, seek medical advice.

Protecting your health during the drying-out phase after flooding

Key Points

  • Ventilate your home well (open all doors and windows) – ensure all air bricks and vents are unblocked.
  • Allow cleaned surfaces to dry completely as germs and mould thrive in wet conditions.
  • Dirty water and silt should be removed where possible, including the space under wooden ground floors which may require pumping out.
  • Once your heating has been certified safe to use, it can be turned on to help dry out your home.  Keep the temperature around 20-22oC.
  • Rubbish should be placed in hard bins or rubbish bags.

Remember that petrol or diesel generators and other fuel driven equipment should never be used in unventilated spaces:

  • The exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide which, without good ventilation, can quickly build up to poisonous levels.
  • The same risk is carried by portable grills, camp stoves, paraffin-fuelled heaters or other devices using gasoline, propane or natural gas.  These should only be used in well-ventilated spaces.   
  • If you experience dizziness, headaches or disorientation, the appliance should be switched off immediately, you should move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical advice.

Allow cleaned surfaces to dry completely as germs and mould thrive in wet conditions. If mould is present and does not disappear with drying-out, you should contact a specialist cleaner for advice.

How You Can Protect Your Health While Living in a Flood-Damaged Home

Key Points

  • Try to have some heating on at all times once it has been checked for safety.
  • Consider the use of a dehumidifier.
  • Ensure the property is well ventilated.
  • Leave windows open as much as possible but be mindful of security.

 

Flooding and the Impact on Your Physical and Mental Health

Overview

Flooding can be a frightening experience, and often causes significant disruption to your routine, day to day activities. If you feel unwell during a flooding emergency, this does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from any illness associated with flooding itself. Both the physical stress associated with over-exertion in cleaning up premises and the mental stress caused by loss of important personal possessions, temporary relocation and financial loss may make you feel unwell. Remember that tiredness, difficulty sleeping and anxiety are normal in these circumstances and may go away with time.

There are a number of reasons why flooding can be a distressing event:

  • It can pose risks to our health and safety
  • It can disrupt our everyday activities, such as going to work, school or childcare
  • It can result in separation from family and friends for a period of time
  • It can disrupt access to essential services such as healthcare
  • It can contribute to a sense of loss of control, and concern for flooding recurrence
  • Recovery after a flooding event may necessitate unanticipated consequences such as the need to re-build homes, submit insurance claims, and deal with loss of possessions, income and/or education

Actions you can take

Staying in touch with your family, friends and neighbours is crucial to support your mental health during and after a flooding event. In addition, wider supports such as community groups, and other formally involved in flooding recovery (e.g. local authorities) may also be of benefit.

If you are concerned about yourself or a family member you are advised to contact your family doctor.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, contact friends, relations or your family doctor.

The Samaritans may also be contacted by ringing 116 123 (Freephone day or night, 365 days a year).

If you would like to help someone impacted by a flooding event, there are a number of ways to offer support. You could help them meet their basic needs e.g. for food, water, shelter, and their healthcare needs e.g. medication, healthcare visit. You could also assist them with practical steps in flooding recovery, and signpost them to resources and relevant information if you are aware of any. In addition, supporting them with planning for their next steps in recovery can be of great benefit.

You can find more advice on coping with flooding, including helping children cope, in this leaflet produced by the Psychology Department, HSE Galway.

Further Resources

Leaflets

  • Washing your hands - leaflet outlining good hand washing technique
  • Advice for flooded homes - a leaflet produced by the HSE Department of Public Health, Midlands and HSE Environmental Health Department, Midlands
  • Flooded homes - a leaflet produced by HSE Environmental Health

Websites

Food Safety Authority of Ireland – Advice on food safety after flooding

 

Last Reviewed February 22nd 2024

 

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