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Throughout Qld, NSW and into Victoria, many areas are now damaged by floods. Though most state governments seem unprepared for this event, the Northern Territory Government has a wealth of related fact sheets. Here is a compilation of some that gardeners may find helpful.
[sourced from Northern Territory Government]
CLEANING UP FLOODWATER
- Do not swim in floodwater and ensure that you and your children stay away from creeks and storm-water drains.
- Wear gloves and covered shoes when cleaning up after a flood, and treat any cuts immediately with an antiseptic.
- Wear a mask over nose and mouth when using a hose or high-pressure hose to clean up after floods to avoid breathing contaminated water droplets.
- Avoid unnecessary contact with mud and dirt.
- Disinfect all surfaces after cleaning up silt and debris.
- Thoroughly clean and disinfect refrigerators and food storage areas.
- Thoroughly clean with hot water and detergent, any cooking and eating utensils in contact with floodwater.
- Throw out flood-damaged food.
- Always wash hands with soap and water before handling food, and after handling any contaminated objects or pets that may have swum in contaminated water.
- Ensure that the electrical system is safe.
FLOODS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Floodwaters contaminated with sewage may carry a range of viruses and parasites. However, the experience from past floods is that the greatest risk of infection is bacterial infection of cuts and abrasions.
The most effective way of preventing infection is:
Thorough hand washing after contact with flood contaminated materials,
- Wearing gloves,
- Avoiding contact between cuts or abrasions with floodwater or contaminated materials.
- No antibiotics or vaccinations are recommended for prevention of specific flood related viral, bacterial or parasitic diseases.
People should contact their GP if they are concerned about their health.
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