FARM FLOOD HEALTH THREATS RISK FACTORS DURING WINTER RECOVERY Water may not be safe to drink, cook, bath or Transmission of disease Intense exposure to cold disinfect. can occur between temperatures can cause humans and animals. hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains. Microbial (e.g. mold) growth rapidly increases and spreads due to flooding waters. Flooded storage of pesticides and petrochemicals (e.g. oil, hydraulic fluid) can pose threats to human health. A flood can cause both emotional and physical stress. RISK FACTORS HUMAN & WELL CHEMICALS MOLD STRESS COLD ANIMAL WATER STRESS Floods can Water may not be If a chemical, pesticide Mold is part of the After a natural disaster, Extremely cold * potentially increase safe to drink, cook or hazardous waste natural environment. you’re dealing with the or wet weather is a Higher concentrations the transmission or clean with after a spill occurs, chemicals extra stress of current dangerous situation that of mold and bacteria conditions, along of communicable flood. Water can might be released from can cause occupational can be found after a with the daily stress diseases: Water-Borne become contaminated barns, homes, and illness and injuries flood. This causes the of farm operations. (Hepatitis A); Vector- with microorganisms other sources into the such as hypothermia. production of Microbial Natural disasters Borne (West Nile Virus); such as bacteria, environment. Chemical Early symptoms of Volatile Organic create a tremendous Bacterial (Tetanus) sewage, heating oil, spills could release hypothermia include; Compounds (mVOCs), amount of additional spores and Fungal agricultural or industrial vapors or chemical shivering, fatigue, fumes. Local and state which emit chemical stress and anxiety. loss of coordination, (Histoplasmosis) waste, chemicals and authorities will provide like odors and can You may develop confusion and spores found in dust, other substances that further guidance. become noxious major depression, disorientation. dirt, animal droppings can cause serious respiratory irritants. generalized anxiety, Prolonged exposure can and animal carcass. illness. and posttraumatic also lead to frostbite, stress disorder. trench foot, and chilblains. RISK FACTORS • Remove standing • Sample and test the • Wear appropriate • Wear safety goggles • Be pro-active, • Wear appropriate water well water clothing including recognize potential clothing to protect the • Use only NIOSH cover-alls, liquid and signs of stress, ears, face, hands and • Use only NIOSH • Conduct well and approved N95 (or chemical resistant anxiety, or depression feet. approved N95 (or pump inspection boots or waders, greater) respirators greater) respirators fitted to your face • Know your local • Move into warm • Perform emergency gloves and safety fitted to your face resources, where you locations during breaks; disinfection of wells glasses • Use water-proof, cut can go for help limit the amount of time PREVENTION • Use watertight, steel that have been • Use only NIOSH resistant gloves outside. toe boots or waders, flooded • Adequate sleep (7-8 TIPS approved respirators, • Properly ventilate waterproof, cut such as chemical hours) is critical to • Carry extra gear, • Follow health area resistant gloves cartridge respirator the recovery process clothes and a thermos department drinking for organic vapors of hot liquid. • Follow state guidance and bathing with added pre-filter on carcass removal advisories • Include chemical hot packs in your first aid kit FACT SHEETS Zoonotic Disease EPA Well Disinfection Respiratory Selection Guide Mental Health Cold Stress *This list of risk factors is not exhaustive. For example, other risks may include electric shock, drowning, falls and structural hazards. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: WWW.AGRISAFE.ORG/FLOOD-CLEAN-UP.