As floodwaters continue to recede across Indiana, there’s still health and safety risks from the pooling water in the communities impacted. Here’s how to stay safe during cleanup efforts.
Protect against mosquitoes
Standing water from flooding is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which carry diseases.
“This is the time of year we start seeing West Nile virus,” said Shandy Dearth, an epidemiologist at IU Indianapolis’ Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health.
Last year, the Indiana Department of Health reported at least 39 cases of the virus, which spreads through mosquito bites. Though rare, people can experience severe illness, including paralysis, meningitis and inflammation of the brain. Milder symptoms include fever, vomiting, body aches and a rash.
“We’ll have a lot of puddles for mosquitos to breed in,” Dearth said.
She recommended people tip over any house plants to get rid of any standing water. They should clear their yards out, too. Options include using a utility pump, shovels or brooms to move the water out.
To protect against mosquito bites, you can use bug spray or wear long, loose-fitting clothing. Avoid being outside at dusk and use a screen on your windows and doors.
Throw away perishable food
Another issue post-flooding is food-borne illness. If you lose power or floodwaters touch your food, it can be unsafe to eat.
“You need to consider tossing a lot of meat and dairy products,” Dearth said. “Fresh foods just don’t last as long.”
Any perishable items that are left for more than four hours without a power or cold source are dangerous to consume. That also includes fish, eggs, milk, cheese and chopped fruits and vegetables.
If you need help buying emergency food or getting a refund for SNAP benefits, use Mirror Indy’s guide.
Don’t bring generators inside
Many people are experiencing power outages from the storms. Never move a portable generator inside your home, garage, basement or shed. You can die within minutes from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Instead, keep the generator at least 20 feet away from any doors, windows or vents and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
If your generator has been exposed to standing water, turn it off immediately and disconnect it from all power sources.
Seek medical attention for injuries
People with open wounds or even small cuts that are exposed to floodwaters can get an infection.
If you’re injured during clean up efforts, seek medical attention right away. Avoid getting in any floodwaters — you can be at risk of drowning, getting hurt by debris, being electrocuted by downed power lines or getting sick from bacteria exposure.
If you have been in floodwaters, immediately wash yourself with soup and water or use sanitizer and wipes. Make sure to wash your wet clothes with hot water and detergent before wearing them again.
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Mirror Indy reporter Mary Claire Molloy covers health. Reach her at 317-721-7648 or email ma***************@********dy.org. Follow her on X @mcmolloy7.
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Mary Claire Molloy