Navigating Health Risks and Trauma After a Hurricane
The immediate danger of a hurricane may pass, but the health challenges that follow—both physical and emotional—can linger long after the storm. For families, especially those with children, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Floodwaters often carry more than just rain; they’re contaminated with bacteria, sewage, chemicals, and hidden debris that can threaten health. On top of this, the emotional impact of losing belongings, homes, or even loved ones adds to the weight.
As part of our House Calls for Kids community, we are here to help you navigate the complex recovery process. This guide will walk you through potential physical and mental health risks after a hurricane and how to support your children at each stage of their recovery.
The Physical Dangers of Floodwater
Floodwater often carries a host of contaminants, including sewage, bacteria, and chemicals. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your family safe:
Contamination and Skin Infections
Floodwater can contain harmful bacteria and viruses, which can enter the body through even small cuts or scrapes. Skin exposed to floodwater may develop rashes, boils, or infections. Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or fever, especially if your child has been in contact with contaminated water.
What to do: Clean any exposed skin immediately with soap and clean water. Cover cuts and scrapes with waterproof bandages.
Chemical Hazards
Floodwater can also carry chemicals that irritate the skin and eyes. Chemicals from agricultural runoff, sewage, and household products may be present in the water, making it unsafe for direct contact.
What to do: Wear protective clothing like rubber boots and gloves during cleanup, and avoid letting children play in areas that have been submerged.
Waterborne Illnesses
While diseases like cholera are uncommon in the U.S., floodwater can still cause illnesses like diarrhea if ingested. Children are especially vulnerable to waterborne illnesses if they play with toys or objects that have been submerged in contaminated water.
What to do: Disinfect any toys or surfaces that have been in floodwater. Use a bleach solution (1 ounce of bleach to 2 gallons of water) to clean items, especially those your child may touch.
Risks to Drinking Water
Flooding can compromise private wells or municipal water supplies, making water unsafe to drink. Always follow local health department guidance on boiling or treating water before using it. Private wells should be tested before use.
Post-Flood Cleanup: Protecting Your Family from Respiratory and Other Health Risks
Once floodwaters recede, the cleanup process can introduce new health risks. Mold grows quickly in warm, moist environments like those in Florida, and it can trigger asthma attacks, allergies, and other respiratory problems.
What to do: Dry out your home as quickly as possible. Open windows and use dehumidifiers if power is available. Wear masks, gloves, and boots when cleaning mold or contaminated areas. Wash all hard surfaces with soap and water, followed by a bleach solution.
Electrical Dangers in Standing Water
Floodwaters may also be electrically charged if power lines have fallen into the water. This creates a risk of electrocution, especially for children playing in standing water.
What to do: Keep children and pets away from standing water, and report any downed power lines to local authorities immediately.
Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health After a Storm
Beyond physical dangers, hurricanes and floods can have a profound emotional impact on children. The sudden loss of their home, belongings, or even a sense of normalcy can lead to anxiety, fear, or depression. Children of different ages react differently to trauma, and it’s important to understand how to support them.
Infants and Toddlers (0-3 Years)
Even though they may not fully understand what’s happening, young children can sense changes in their environment and the stress of those around them. They might become more clingy, cry more often, or have trouble sleeping.
How to help: Stick to routines as much as possible. Offer extra physical comfort through cuddling and gentle reassurances.
Preschoolers (3-6 Years)
Children in this age group may become more fearful, act out through play, or regress to earlier behaviors like thumb-sucking. They might repeatedly tell stories about the storm, mixing reality with fantasy.
How to help: Give them space to talk about their feelings and use play or art as a way to express emotions. Provide simple, honest answers to their questions about the storm.
School-Aged Children (7-12 Years)
Older children may struggle with guilt, helplessness, or confusion about what happened. They might have trouble concentrating in school or experience physical symptoms like stomachaches or headaches.
How to help: Encourage open conversations. Validate their feelings, whether it’s fear, sadness, or anger. Involve them in small recovery tasks that can give them a sense of control and accomplishment.
Teenagers (13-18 Years)
Teens may feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty of the future and the loss they’ve experienced. They might withdraw emotionally, act out, or experience mood swings.
How to help: Offer them space to talk when they’re ready, and encourage healthy outlets like journaling, exercising, or talking with friends. Be patient, as they may need time to process their emotions.
When to Seek Help
It’s normal for children to feel stressed after a hurricane, but prolonged anxiety, depression, or severe behavioral changes may signal a need for professional support. Watch for signs like persistent nightmares, difficulty functioning in daily life, or aggression. If you’re unsure, consult with a pediatrician or mental health professional.
For more severe emotional challenges, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), counseling may be needed. The federal government’s Disaster Distress Helpline (1-800-985-5990) is available for those struggling with mental health challenges after a storm.
Special Considerations for Pregnant Women
Pregnant women face unique risks during and after a hurricane, especially when exposed to contaminated floodwater, mold, or other environmental hazards. Exposure to certain chemicals and infections can have serious effects on both mother and baby. It’s essential to take extra precautions:
Avoid floodwater exposure as much as possible. If you must be in or near contaminated water, wear protective gear such as waterproof boots, gloves, and a mask to minimize contact with chemicals, bacteria, or mold.
Stay hydrated and only drink bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal infections, which are more dangerous during pregnancy.
Rest often and avoid heavy lifting or overexertion during cleanup efforts, as stress and fatigue can put extra strain on your body.
Seek medical advice promptly if you notice any symptoms of infection, dehydration, or if you experience unusual discomfort, contractions, or spotting.
If you're unsure about any symptoms or feel that you need further support, reach out to your healthcare provider or contact us at House Calls for Kids for guidance. Taking care of your health is crucial for both you and your baby during this challenging time.
Final Thoughts: Caring for Your Family’s Health After the Storm
Recovering from a hurricane is a long and often difficult process, but you’re not alone. At House Calls for Kids, we are here to support you and your family’s physical and emotional well-being as you rebuild your life. Whether you need help managing health risks, cleaning up safely, or supporting your child through trauma, we’re here for you every step of the way.
For immediate support, reach out to us for medical guidance, and don’t hesitate to seek mental health resources if you or your children need additional help. Together, we will get through this.