Last updated on November 27th, 2024 at 09:11 am
Be aware of flood hazards no matter where you live, but especially if you live in a low-lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Floodwater can be contaminated by pollutants including sewage, human and animal feces, pesticides and insecticides, fertilizers, oil, asbestos, rusting building materials, and more. While most public attention is focused on property loss caused by floods, protecting your own health is more important. Although there are no guarantees of safety during a flood, you can take actions to protect yourself.
Chemicals
If a chemical, pesticide or hazardous waste spill occurs, chemicals might be released from barns, homes, and other sources into the environment. Chemical spills could release vapors or chemical fumes. Learn more about chemical safety from AgriSafe.
Heat Related Illnesses
Disaster recovery is physically strenuous, especially in hot temperatures. Intense heat exposure can cause heat-related illnesses. Signs include excessive thirst, weakness, headache, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, and dizziness.
Livestock
Floods can potentially increase the transmission of communicable diseases: Water-Borne (Hepatitis A); Vector-Borne (West Nile Virus); Bacterial (Tetanus) spores and Fungal (Histoplasmosis) spores found in dust, dirt, animal droppings and animal carcass.
Mental Stress
After a natural disaster, you’re dealing with the extra stress of current conditions, along with the daily stress of farm and ranch operations. Natural disasters such as floods create a tremendous amount of additional stress and anxiety. You may develop major depression, generalized anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Learn more about mental health from AgriSafe.
Mold
Mold is part of the natural environment. Higher concentrations of mold and bacteria can be found after a flood. This causes the production of Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs), which emit chemical-like odors and can become noxious respiratory irritants. Learn more about respiratory health best practices from AgriSafe.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Respiratory Health During Disaster Cleanup – CDC Resource
Water Sources
Water may not be safe to drink, cook or clean with after a flood. Water can become contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, sewage, heating oil, agricultural or industrial waste, chemicals and other substances that can cause serious illness.
How to Disinfect Wells After an Emergency – CDC Resource
Flood Resources
Documents
| ID | Title | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12776 | Amenaza para la salud en la granja por inundaciones | Last updated on July 28th, 2026 at 01:14 pm A Spanish language guide to help farmers protect themselves from warm weather farm flood health threats. Haga clic en “view” para… | |
| 12784 | Amenazas para la salud por inundaciones en la granja: Factores de riesgo durante la recuperación en invierno | Last updated on July 28th, 2026 at 01:00 pm A Spanish language guide to help farmers protect themselves during winter floods. Haga clic en “view” para acceder este recurso. English… | |
| 9539 | Directrices provisionales para proteger a los trabajadores contra el lodo y las aguas residuales de las actividades ganaderas y avícolas, durante y después de las inundaciones | Last updated on February 14th, 2025 at 03:26 pm The purpose of this Spanish language guidance is to protect workers from illnesses and injuries associated with livestock and poultry wastewater… | |
| 9394 | Entering And Cleaning Up Flooded Homes | Last updated on August 25th, 2022 at 12:34 pm Protect yourself and your family during cleanup…. | |
| 12497 | Farm and Ranch Health Threats After a Flood | Last updated on May 12th, 2026 at 12:21 pm Summary: Disaster recovery can be as dangerous as the disaster itself, especially if no disaster preparedness plan was implemented. This is… | |
| 9542 | Farm Flood Health Threats – Cold Weather | Last updated on July 28th, 2026 at 12:56 pm A guide to help farmers protect themselves during winter floods. Spanish Title: Amenazas para la salud por inundaciones en la granja:… | |
| 9540 | Farm Flood Health Threats – Warm Weather | Last updated on July 28th, 2026 at 01:09 pm A guide to help farmers protect themselves from warm weather farm flood health threats. Spanish Title: Amenaza para la salud en… | |
| 9393 | Flood Recovery Checklists for Farmsteads | Last updated on August 25th, 2022 at 12:36 pm This publication is for farmers and ranchers affected by flooding…. | |
| 12766 | Flood Resources Toolkit | Last updated on July 2nd, 2026 at 01:27 pm Social media graphics for flood risks. Spanish Title: Material necesario en caso de inundación para redes sociales… | |
| 9538 | Interim Guidance for Protecting Workers from Livestock and Poultry Wastewater and Sludge During and After Floods | Last updated on July 26th, 2024 at 01:46 pm The purpose of this guidance is to protect workers from illnesses and injuries associated with livestock and poultry wastewater and sludge… | |
| 12768 | Material necesario en caso de inundación para redes sociales | Last updated on July 2nd, 2026 at 01:27 pm Spanish language social media graphics for flood risks. Haga clic en “view” para acceder este recurso. English Title: Flood Resources Toolkit… | |
| 25235 | Natural Disasters, Stress, and Well-Being | Last updated on April 3rd, 2026 at 05:26 pm This resource provides guidance on normal feelings during natural disasters, stress, coping techniques, and how to talk with children and other… | |
| 9395 | Pesticide Storage Concerns During and After a Flood | Last updated on August 25th, 2022 at 12:49 pm A resource about immediate actions to take after a storm when floodwaters or a storage facility could potentially be contaminated with… |
Webinars
| Webinar Title | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Farm and Ranch Health Threats After a Flood | Last updated on May 12th, 2026 at 12:21 pm Summary: Disaster recovery can be as dangerous as the disaster itself, especially if no disaster preparedness plan was implemented. This is… |
Page updated: November 2024