Flooding

Floods can happen when there is a lot of rainfall over a short space of time and the ground, rivers and streams cannot cope to drain away the extra water fast enough. During a storm, coastal areas may experience coastal floods from a rise in the sea level and the bad weather conditions. 

Drowning is the most immediate health risk. Serious injury can be caused by falling into fast-flowing water or from hidden dangers under the water, such as missing manhole covers.

Flood water may be polluted by sewage, chemicals and animal poo that can cause a wide range of disease.

Other risks include being stranded, having no power or clean water, stress and anxiety. 

There is a serious danger of carbon monoxide poisoning from fumes from petrol or diesel heaters and generators. These should not be used indoors to dry out homes and buildings.

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