How to Keep Kids Safe in Flood Water Clean Up

This is hurricane season. Irene just battered much of the eastern seaboard, from North Carolina to Maine. She left an aftermath of toxic flood waters and damaged property. Now Hurricane Katia is gearing up. Here are ways to make kids flood safe and smart. Hurricane Irene sent a storm surge that flooded rivers in towns along the Atlantic coast. In New Jersey, the Passaic River burst her banks, taking toxic sewage into people's yards and homes. Vermont is dealing with similar flooding problems.

The concern with flooding is that as flood waters move they pick up debris. They overflow sewers and drag organic and biological waste up from underground. Flood water picks up toxic chemicals from damaged property. It gathers debris and tainted water from storm drains. Drowned animal carcasses add disease to flood water. In short, flood water is one big poisonous soup pot.

* Children need to be kept well away from flood water. They should not be allowed to play or swim in it. Children should be taught that flood water is dangerous, not just for drowning hazard, but from infection hazards. They should not walk or wade in waters. Flood water becomes very murky and treacherous. Debris can cause tripping hazards.

* Pregnant woman, babies, young children and elderly people are most susceptible to catching infectious disease from flood water. Young children should not help with flood clean up. If possible, they should be kept away from flood-damaged homes and property. Young children do not understand why they can't touch furniture, clothing, toys and possessions that have come in contact with flood water. If possible, children should stay with a friend or relative, during clean up efforts. At least they should stay on levels of the home not damaged by water. Pregnant women and mothers with babies should avoid flood waters.

* Children should wear protective air filter respirator face masks and eye protection if they are anywhere near flood waters. Flood water smells foul. Sewage creates methane gas; just inhaling it can be dangerous. Wearing a cheap pair of swim goggles and a bandana tied around the nose and mouth can protect against contact with noxious fumes.

* Children should wear waterproof protective clothing when they have contact with flood water. Skin and hair should be protected. Wounds should be treated with triple antibiotic and kept covered. Children should wear latex gloves, rubber rain boots and a rain coat or heavy plastic poncho, secured at the wrists and legs to prevent seepage. You can make a protective garment from a plastic garbage bag. Cut a small head hole, slip it over the head and wrap loosely around the arms. Tuck dry coat sleeves into gloves and secure with a rubber band (not too tight so it cuts off circulation).