The Texas Department of Public Safety wants to warn you flood water poses many hazards to human health and safety. They advise following these safety precautions.

DROWNING DANGER

Flood water can be flowing much faster than it appears, de-stabilizing banks of rivers and streams. Do not walk along the edges of banks and streams and do not allow children to play near flooded areas.

When there’s water across a road, it could hide many hazards. Drivers can save their lives and their cars if they choose a different road and follow this advice: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Flood water contains hidden trees, branches and dangerous debris. Avoid boating and recreational activities in rivers and creeks until water levels return to normal.

Watch out for animals displaced by flooding, especially snakes. Fire ants travel in flood waters. Forced out of their underground nests by rising water, fire ant colonies can look like ribbons, a mat or an actual “ball” of ants floating on the water. Fire ant colonies will cling to brush, trees and anything
else they come in contact with. After a flood, be especially cautious because fire ants can be found almost anywhere.

HEALTH DANGER

Flood water is dangerous to human health. It contains material from overflowing sewage systems, as well as agricultural and chemical runoff. Do not wade in flood water and do not allow children to play in flood water.
Flood water contains germs, parasites and viruses. DO NOT drink untreated flood water. Even wells on your private property may be contaminated.
Listen to instructions from local officials who will provide “boil water” alerts and will announce when public water supplies are safe to use.

Do not eat any food that has been in contact with flood water. Avoid eating fish from areas contaminated with sewage or flood waters until local officials say water supplies are safe.

If you have a wound or cut that has come in contact with flood water, a tetanus vaccination may be needed.