The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is advising well owners that private water wells contaminated with flood water can pose a health risk. Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Follow these safety tips for Reentering Your Flooded Home provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention … Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Be prepared to evacuate quickly and know your routes and destinations. Learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone. 10 Things To Do Before a Flood 1. Find a local emergency shelter.

Keep them in a waterproof bag.

Floods may: Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and overflows of dams and other water systems.

Do not drive through flood waters or in areas where the water may have receded. Visit The FEMA Flood Map Site and Check Your Address. Disease Prevention Precautions. When you notice that a flood is about to occur. Before a Flood. Before a flood Preparing for a flood To reduce the likelihood of flood damage. After a flood, be sure to: Find out if the water supply is safe to drink before consuming water. If your home is in a flood-prone area, contact the National Flood Insurance program to … Here are a few essential safety precautions for floods that will help you out in any emergency situation. Avoid building in a flood-prone area unless you elevate and reinforce your home. Before the flood, you keep ready all the emergency supplies at hand, and those include food, water, clothes, safety boats, medicine etc. To prepare for a hurricane, you should take the following measures: To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.

Recovering from a flood requires extreme care. MDH recommends that well owners take precautions before possible flooding, and take corrective actions should a well be flooded. When returning to a home that’s been flooded after a natural disaster be aware that your house may be contaminated with mold or sewage, which can cause health risks for your family. Install the drainage for downspouts a sufficient distance from your residence to ensure that water moves away from the building.

Reference the key and check local bodies of water to determine whether you live in an area that is at a higher risk for flood…

Every state is at risk from this hazard.
As new construction grows in certain areas, more flood-plains are sometimes created.

Also, avoid moving water. Driving is especially hazardous after a flood. Put weather protection sealant around basement windows and the base of ground-level doors. Before a Hurricane. ; Know your surroundings. If the flood waters reach into the garage or home, or affect any food establishments, food safety can also be an issue. This will provide you with the local flood maps for your area. Contaminated flood waters may have impacted the private water wells in flooded areas, and the drinking water may not be safe to drink. Do not drink water from private wells in the flooded areas. Avoid flood waters, as they may be contaminated. Right Before a Flood Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest information and updates. It depends a lot about the reasons why the flood is happening but normally if we have some risk factors (is the water body in question - river, lake, etc. Safety Precautions During and After Floods.
Failing to evacuate flooded areas or entering flood waters can lead to injury or death. Evaluate your insurance coverage once a year to make sure your home is fully covered. Flood Precautions For Private Water Wells Well Management Program.