Floodwater may have been contaminated with sewage, animal waste and other potential toxins and those in contact with it should take health precautions, the Health Protection Agency has said.

Although harmful micro-organisms in flood water are generally very diluted and present a low risk, infection risks can be minimised by wearing protective clothing such as waterproof boots and gloves while cleaning up.

Always wash your hands with soap and clean water after going to the toilet, before eating or preparing food, after being in contact with floodwater, sewage or items that have been contaminated by these, or participating in flood clean-up activities.

Keep any open cuts or sores clean, and prevent them being exposed to floodwater by wearing waterproof plasters.

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BACKGROUND

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Walls, floors, and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water.

Wash all linens and clothing in on a hot wash (60C or the highest temperature indicated on manufacturer's instructions) or dry-clean them.

For items that cannot be washed or dry-cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant. Steam clean all carpeting.

Any loose material and dust resulting from drying walls and floorboards should be vacuumed up on a regular basis.

Remove all soft furnishings, fittings, wall coverings, cloth, rugs, mattresses, carpeting, carpet padding, rugs, upholstered furniture, cosmetics, stuffed animals, baby toys, pillows, foam-rubber items, books and paper products, and discard those that are damaged beyond repair.

Don't switch on electrical appliances which have been in contact with floodwater unless a competent electrician has checked them.

Your local Electricity Board will be checking main supplies. Ensure that the house is properly aired to encourage drying. Make sure that any mould growth is properly treated.

Finally, in the midst of all this water, cold can play a major role in your personal health. "Do not add weather-related health problems like hypothermia to your other problems", the Health Protection Agency says.

More information can be found at www.hpa.org.uk/flooding/guidance.htm

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