PRESS RELEASE

Health Officials: Stay Out of Floodwaters
BATON ROUGE (September 3, 2008) - Hurricane Gustav’s floodwaters may seem harmless to those cleaning up, but hazards can be lurking in the muddy water. The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is urging everyone to stay safe and stay out of the floodwaters.

Debris hidden below the water can cause injuries. Charged power lines in floodwaters can electrocute. Some high waters have swift currents that can pull people under.

Floodwaters may look inviting to children, so parents should prevent kids from playing in or around flooded areas. It doesn't take long for a child to drown. In most cases, young drowning victims had been out of sight less than five minutes and were in the care of a parents or relative at the time. Drowning is possible in as little as two inches of water if a caregiver is distracted.

Wildlife and insects also pose a serious danger in floodwaters. Poisonous snakes, alligators, ants and leeches can cause serious injury and extreme pain.

Floodwaters can also be contaminated with sewage, bacteria or chemicals. Do not drink floodwater, and do not use it to brush your teeth or clean dishes.

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