Protecting children in floods: How to ensure their safety and help them overcome the shock

Floods and landslides are some of the worst natural disasters people can face. They have enormous destructive power and cause serious material damage and can sometimes take lives. We should not be complacent in such situations and we should actively participate in donation campaigns to help the victims.

Throughout history, floods have killed millions and caused significant damage, affecting many countries around the world.

Children are different from adults. They are much more vulnerable. Especially at such a delicate time. That is why it is crucial that we know how to ensure their safety and help them overcome the shock. We need to approach with understanding and be careful that they do not develop panic fear brought on by stress and fright after the flood.

Preventing illness

Immediately after a disaster, urgent measures should be taken to control the situation.

Among the first actions on the part of rescue teams is to do everything possible to protect children from digestive tract diseases. These are the most common health problems caused by floods. If children consume contaminated food or water, they are at greater risk of developing both mild conditions, such as diarrhoea, and severe diseases, such as typhoid and hepatitis.

Organising a crowdfunding campaign to get the right foods to children is key.

Parents should supervise their child's hand washing before eating and after using the toilet. Great care is needed on the part of parents, as flies can be particularly contagious during periods of flooding.

Children should drink purified water, from sealed bottles, or water that has been boiled or chemically treated.

If the child is an infant, the safest way is to continue breastfeeding normally, being careful to keep the child away from any wet clothing. If he or she is being fed formula, prepare it with purified water and use only clean water to wash and rinse the feeding bottles and utensils used in preparing the formula.

If the child has diarrhoea he should drink an electrolyte solution to restore lost vitamins and minerals. If the child's condition does not improve in 2 or 3 days or there is abnormal stool, temperature or vomiting, you should take him to the doctor.

Prevent dehydration

Dehydration can result from heavy exercise during flooding, from digestive illness, or from both together. Children suffering from dehydration may exhibit symptoms including apathy and lethargy, irritability, severe thirst, dry and/or warm skin and rarely go to the toilet. If dehydration is not managed, symptoms will continue to worsen and eventually medical treatment will be necessary.

It is advisable to organise a charity campaign to obtain sufficient quantities of drinkable water, especially for children.

Start a campaign now on PavelAndreev.ORG.

Dehydration in young children can even be fatal. That's why it's especially important to protect children in floods, ensure their safety and help them overcome the shock

Quick treatment of wounds

If you don't feel well, put on a protective surgical mask when you are in close proximity to an injured child. If your child has received a shallow cut from a sharp object, clean the wound thoroughly with alcohol, then apply an antibacterial cream. Use waterproof adhesive bandages and keep the wound away from dirty water.

For wounds on the feet or ankles, make sure the child wears rubber boots and avoid getting water in the boots.

The need for a donation drive to procure material assistance that includes not only food and water, but also medicines and medical supplies such as bandages is of paramount importance.

Protection and assistance in overcoming shock

It is a good idea to follow some safety rules when you return to your home after a flood to protect yourself and your children:

• keep children and pets away from the affected area until cleanup is complete
• don't allow young children to play on wooden floorboards or any damaged tiles, they can be injured by sharp edges of tiles or raised nails
• wash clothes, bed linen and other soft/cloth items (including toys) at 60°C or the highest temperature specified in the manufacturer's instructions
• do not allow young children to play on affected grassed or paved areas until the area has been cleaned and restored to its normal condition
• ensure that garages or basements are well ventilated and inaccessible to children and animals
• Don't be shy and seek support from a charitable foundation if needed to provide children with qualified people in addition to material and moral protection.

Help from volunteers

Floods are one of the worst natural crises and victims of this disaster urgently need support to overcome this type of crisis.

These victims will remain at risk unless they are provided with clean food and proper medical care.

So, if you can volunteer on the ground and lend a helping hand, whether in providing medical assistance or providing hot food and support, then don't hesitate but join the volunteer squads. Also, your donation ideasare also valuable and can be implemented online through the Pavel Andreev Foundation platform.

Volunteers are crucial for all victims to experience this scary part of their lives as safely as possible.

Fundraising through a donation campaign

Flood victims will lose the basics they take for granted - water; food; shelter, electricity, etc. You can help by choosing one of the nearest fundraising and material aid campaigns.

Contribute to the flood victims by joining a charity campaign through our donation site PavelAndreev.ORG.

Invite your family, friends and colleagues to join your cause. Spread the word about it through the Pavel Andreev platform. The main material needs that flood victims have are:

• Tents, mattresses and blankets.
• Medicines and bottled water.
• Hygiene kits and cleaning supplies.
• Nonperishable food items.
• Clothing and shoes.

These can be easily and quickly collected by organizing a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds - financial and material. Use the pavelandreev.org donation site to maximize results.