Children and Flood Waters

A warning from Harris County Homeland Security & Emergency Management:

Do not allow children to play in floodwaters. Hazards can include downed power lines which can electrify the water and missing manhole covers. Fast moving waters could sweep you off your feet. There are environmental and biological dangers in the water such as gasoline, oil, raw sewage, ants, etc. Again please do not let children play in flood waters.

Possible Injuries:
Drowning
If you enter fast-moving water, you risk drowning -- regardless of your ability to swim. Fast-moving, shallow water can be deadly. Even shallow standing water can be dangerous for small children. Cars or other vehicles do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. Cars can be swept away or may break down in moving water.

Animal and Insect Bites
Wading in flood waters can bring you into contact with a variety of animals, insects, and reptiles (especially snakes). Be alert and avoid contact. Use a stick to poke through debris.

Electrical Hazards
Avoid any downed power lines, particularly those in water.

Wounds
Avoid wading in standing water, which may contain sharp objects such as glass or metal fragments that can cause injury and possibly lead to infection.

CDC http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/flood/standing.html