DHEC warns residents not to swim in floodwaters

(DHEC)– We strongly warn residents to stay away from floodwaters and, to reduce the risk of infections and traumatic injuries including drowning, don‘t swim, play or boat in the water,” said Jamie Blair, deputy director of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control‘s Office of Public Health Preparedness. “Water from flooding can carry viruses, bacteria, chemicals and other physical items picked up as it moves through storm water systems, across industrial sites, yards, roads and parking lots. These threats can cause serious illness and injury and should be avoided if at all possible.” Blair offered specific tips for preventing illness and injury resulting from flooding, including: Prevent children from playing in flooded areas. Rapidly rushing floodwaters pose a high risk for drowning. Keep children from playing with toys that have been contaminated by floodwater until the toys can be cleaned/disinfected.