Working in flooded areas exposes persons to many risks of injury, disease, and death. Long pants, thick/waterproof boots, thick chemical resistant gloves, eye protection, etc. Even with precautions, very bad things can happen. One of our late clergy who was coordinating flood work in TN contracting a virus that created serious heart problems that affected him the rest of his life. Our desire to help should not override the need to do what is smart.
Flood waters and the porous personal items and construction materials they touch become contaminated with chemicals, sewage, mold, and viruses. UMCOR's recommendation is that Children, Youth, and persons with various health problems should have as little contact with flooded homes as possible, especially as time goes by and the risk of mold and disease increase. If there are ways to include persons who shouldn't be there in fund raising, collecting items that have been requested, and getting them ready to help with rebuilding months down the road, that is the best, safest option.
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