The state Health Department wants you to keep your kids out of the flood waters.
The same flood waters causing all kinds of damage to area homes, crops and vacation spots can be a child's dream adventure; that is, until they get sick or hurt.
"And so we do want to keep kids out of the flood waters."
Chuck Warzecha, Director of the Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Health with the state Health Department, says their office has been getting numerous reports of kids playing in the flood waters, but he says that's not a good idea. He's concerned about disease and injury.
"Unfortunately if you look a little bit closer you'll find that the flood waters aren't just water. They're made up largely of untreated sewage that's over flowage from septic systems and waste water treatment plants, and a lot of the worst stuff that can make kids sick."
Warzecha says diarrhea is the most common result of contact with filthy floods. He adds there are also other unseen dangers.
"There are currents that can pull kids under; a lot of opportunity for drowning, entrapment … In addition there can be other types of debris that you don't see because the water's murky. You don't know what you're stepping on, stepping in."
If you or your kids have been in contact with flood waters, Warzecha says it's important to practice good hygiene. Thoroughly wash up, especially before eating. And, if toys have been in the water, he says, wash and sanitize them, or just toss them out, for safety's sake.
Related website : Wisconsin Emergency Management
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:31 MP3)
