Two inches of rain over a period of several hours doesn’t seem like it would cause that much havoc. Yet, when that much water comes down, it must go somewhere, and that somewhere is in ponds and creeks, which rise and ebb, flowing hungrily along as they eventually swell over the banks that normally keep them intact.

The smaller streams flow quickly into larger ones, like the Killbuck Creek, which steadily escalates to a fast-flowing, furious creek that appears to be more like a river. The banks burst open, water pouring everywhere, its sides splitting open and pouring forth its overload of water.

This is exactly what happened Feb. 26, when torrential rains came down and continued into the morning hours of Feb. 27. The product of all that rain was extreme flooding, mainly throughout the western half of Holmes County. The flood waters poured into the basements of homes, flooded roads leaving motorists stranded, and presented dangers which can easily turn to tragedy, much like the case in Kentucky Feb. 25, when an Amish family tried to cross a roaring creek which had encompassed the roadway, only to see three of their children swept away.

The dangers of rising waters are well documented. A Shreve woman was pulled from her car by rescue personnel even as the rushing waters could be seen climbing up over the roof of her automobile. No, flash flooding and high water are nothing to take lightly.

But what about when the waters subside?

While the destruction may not be as blatantly brutal as flooding waters, and far less spectacular in its presentation, the remnants of flood waters can be just as dismal if people are unaware of how to proceed once the water disappears back into its creeks and streams.

“People have got to use common sense when it comes to deep, quickly moving water,” said Dr. D.J. McFadden, Holmes County health commissioner. “We’ve got to understand that when water rises so quickly and floods areas. But even when the water subsides, there are health-related dangers that can cause physical problems if folks don’t take proper precautions.”

Hypothermia is one such issue. McFadden said that in a case such as the recent storm, the temperature was near 50 degrees. However, the water is much colder, and a foot or two of flood water, along with cold, drenched clothing, can sap a person’s body temperature. “When you’re in flooded water like that and begin feeling fatigued, you’ve got to get out and warm up,” said McFadden. “People oftentimes get working in flood waters and want to clean things up, but hypothermia is nothing to mess around with.”

Another key health issue in flooded waters arises when people do not use proper footwear, thus exposing themselves to whatever dangers lurk under the murky waters. Branches, broken glass, jagged rocks and all kinds of things that have been swept away with the current can severely cut unprotected toes, feet, ankles and legs.

Another issue is downed power lines. Oftentimes power lines can go unseen in flood waters. The ensuing results of stepping into water where a live line is down is obvious.

These are common sense type scenarios that can be avoided with a little thought. McFadden said that what oftentimes goes unseen is the viruses present in flood waters.

“Any time you get water rushing over banks and flooding areas, it can carry a whole host of viruses that go unseen,” said McFadden. “The water is dirty, filled with bacteria from animals waste, garbage and even human fecal matter. What happens is that people begin walking around in flood water and these bacteria get on their clothes, or their hands, and eventually they end up touching their eyes or their mouth or nose, and that spreads the bacteria through their body. Flood water is a haven for bacteria.”

McFadden said that whenever a person goes into flooded areas, they should avoid contact with their eyes, nose and mouth, and if someone has cuts or sores, they should avoid going into the water period, because those areas are highly susceptible to bacteria. He also said that once a person is done in flood waters, they should shower immediately to remove bacteria in which they have come in contact.

“It’s all about thinking safety first, whether you’re dealing with rushing flood water or walking in standing water once the flood subsides,” said McFadden. “You’ve just got to be cautious and use common sense.”

In addition to the physical contact with bacteria in flood water, there is also the opportunity for infested flood water to seep into well and septics in homes and businesses in flooded areas. In addition, once the waters have been pumped out of a home, there exists a prime opportunity for mold to take up residence, especially in damp basements, where it can often grow, out of sight or undetected.

“Mold tends to grow on wood, in drywall and trim,” said Jon Croup, director of environmental health services with the Holmes County Health Department. “Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria, so you’ll want to get the water out of a home as quickly as possible, but you’ve got to take precautions before you do that.”

Make sure that the electric is turned off before entering an area where there is standing water. Have an electrician determine that it is safe to return before beginning the removal process. An electric wet-dry vacuum is best for removal of water. However, if your electric is not available, a generator may be used, but Croup warned that the generators must not be used inside because they create carbon monoxide. It is better to position the generator outside and run an extension cord through a window or door.

Croup also suggested the use of fans to help clear out standing water, and initiate the drying process, and added that while cleaning, open any doors and windows to allow proper ventilation. In addition, any time you’re cleaning up standing water, always wear boots. Eventually, after getting the standing water out of the house, a dehumidifier can be used.

Like McFadden, Croup alluded to going overboard on cleanliness when dealing with flood water in the home.

“Wash your hands as much as you can and make sure you are wearing proper clothing any time you deal with flooding issues,” said Croup. “You can never be too safe.”

Making sure to eliminate the dirty water properly, by scrubbing down all items that are washable and inspecting all corners, cracks, drywall and molding will help eliminate the possibility of flood waters leaving behind mold.

Steps for personal protection from health hazards while cleaning up flood damage in the home include protective eye wear, rubber boots, waterproof gloves and long sleeve shirts and pants, which protect the skin and can easily be washed when finished.

As for the well water, Croup said that anytime there is flooding, it is best to have the well disinfected, and homeowners can do this on their own.

The project consists of having the well pumped of the water, running all of the faucets in the house for several hours, even up to 24 hours. The well should be heavily pumped to remove as much flood water as possible. By over-pumping, excess flood water will be removed from the ground water supply. Chlorine is used to disinfect the well, and a vinegar/water mixture is used as well. The system will eventually need to be reflushed and then the water tested by the health district.

The exact calculations in cleaning a well following a flood may be obtained at the health department.

“Anytime you have flood water come in contact with drinking water it is detrimental to your health,” said Croup. “Around this area, the possibilities of herbicides, pesticides and chemicals exist, and there is the possibility of garbage and animal waste products being mixed in. If someone isn’t sure what to do, they may call us here. People are better off erring on the side of safety. We’d rather people be safe than assume it’s OK and end up with health issues.”