Gloves, boots and masks: what precautions to take if we are volunteers for the DANA in Valencia

A wave of solidarity has spread from the Valencian Community to the rest of Spain. Thousands of volunteers have moved from different parts of the country to help in the areas most affected by the hurricane.

However, in a situation like this, whether we are volunteers or residents of these areas, we must take a series of precautions due to the possibility of proliferation of infectious diseases.

In this regard, the IO Foundation, an organization dedicated to Global Health projects in the field of infectious diseases, has warned of the risks to public health after floods such as those in Valencia.

For its part,the Generalitat Valenciana has also issued a statement on what materials and clothing all volunteers should bring.

Below, we tell you what precautions you have to take if you go to the most affected areas.

Recommendations of the Generalitat Valenciana

1. Children, pregnant women and people with respiratory problems, such as asthma, or with a weakened immune system should not participate in the cleaning tasks.
2. The following considerations should be taken into account in the cleanup process:
   1. Shut off gas and electricity.
   2. Protect your nose, mouth and eyes, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, protective gloves and rubber boots.
   3. Open windows and doors to ventilate
   4. Remove all wet belongings, stagnant water, mud and sludge
   5. Clean walls and floors and disinfect (e.g. bleach).
   6. If animal carcasses are found they should be handled as little as possible, using the correct protective equipment. Avoid contact with body fluids and follow your local council’s instructions for disposal.
   7. Follow the recommendations of your municipality regarding water supply and consumption.

3. Follow the recommendations of your municipality regarding water supply and consumption.
4. Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning:
   1. Do not use portable generators that run on gasoline or diesel fuel, propane or
      coal-burning equipment and other devices indoors. Use generators at least
      generators at least 15 feet away from any door, window, or vent.
      vents.
   2. If using a pressure washer, make sure the engine is outside and at least 5 meters away from any door, window, or vent.
      at least 5 meters away from doors, windows or vents. Do not leave
      your vehicle’s engine running in a garage next to the house, even with the gate open.
      the door open.
   3. Keeping certain items that have been submerged in water can be unsanitary. At
      In general, materials that are wet and cannot be completely cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours should be discarded.
      within 24 to 48 hours should be discarded, as they may still be a source of microorganism growth and the presence of microorganisms.
      microorganism growth and mold growth. If mold is abundant, protect your nose, mouth and eyes and wear gloves,
      mouth and eyes and wear gloves.

5. Garbage, as well as any type of organic waste generated should be kept isolated in such a way that they cannot contaminate other people, soil, water, etc.
6. Do not eat any food that may have been in direct contact with flood water, except for waterproof cans and containers, which should be dried for at least 1 hour before opening or storing. Always follow the storage instructions on the label.

Precautions for diseases and how to avoid them (IO Foundation)