30 December 2011
Territory flood waters such as those currently affecting the Katherine and Daly River areas present many potential hazards, and special care should be taken around all water bodies, especially swollen rivers, NT Chief Health Officer Dr Barbara Paterson warned today.
"The recent heavy rains have created some dangerous conditions and we appeal to all local residents and visitors, especially those with young children, to take particular care," Dr Paterson said.
"As usual, we strongly advise keeping clear of flooded areas because of the risks of drowning, being injured by hidden objects, or acquiring a skin infection. People should also be careful not to drink water from rivers or other sources likely to have been contaminated by the runoff from the storms."
Dr Paterson said the Department's Environmental Health officers are continuing to work with staff in other Government agencies to assess any potential health risks associated with the recent spill of copper concentrate into the Edith River.
"Medical advice is that the copper concentrate is unlikely to cause health problems via ingestion of water providing that no one drinks water from the immediate vicinity of the spill.
"Water testing will be ongoing and the analysis of results will be released on a regular basis. The general advice is never to drink river water during the wet season because of the real risk of acquiring an illness such as a serious stomach complaint," Dr Paterson said.
"It is our understanding that tourist operations and other local businesses in the area do not generally source their drinking water from the river system, most particularly at this time of year when the water is so obviously dirty."
For information on water and food safety, contact Environmental Health on 1800 095 646.
Other safety advice for those in flooded areas includes -
- Do not eat food that has been in contact with floodwater. If in doubt - throw it out.
- Avoid wading even in shallow water as it may be contaminated - if you must enter shallow floodwater, wear solid shoes, not thongs or bare feet, and check the depth and current with a stick. Stay away from drains, culverts and any water source that is that are more than knee deep.
- Beware of snakes, spiders and other animals that may move to drier areas in your house.
- Look out for spiders, snakes and other animals that may have moved inside to escape the flood, and outside, crocodiles.
- If you have a garage or shed take extra care with any stored chemicals and fuels. Handle with extreme caution and use the recommended protective equipment such as gloves and safety goggles. If you are concerned about contact with chemicals, contact your local fire safety station for advice.
For a range of advice on safety measures during and after flooding, go to -
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/Environmental_Health/Disaster_Management/index.aspx
Information on the treatment and use of bores after flooding is at -
http://www.health.nt.gov.au/library/scripts/objectifyMedia.aspx?file=pdf/36/26.pdf&siteID=1&str_title=Treatment%20and%20Use%20of%20Bores%20after%20Flooding.pdf
Updates on NT weather and other emergency advice is at www.securent.nt.gov.au
Media contact: Robin Osborne, Department of Health Media Director, 899 92886 or 0488 692 781
