Be Flood Ready! New Brunswick regions prepare for another flood season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Extra precautions will need to be taken to help one another, while maintaining a physical distance but also staying away from the river banks and flooded areas. The best place to be and to stay is at home. Every spring, residents living in a flood-risk area are encouraged to prepare personal emergency supply kits. When flood levels rise, so do stress levels. Practice self-care and reach out to one another to ensure your neighbours – especially seniors and those with a disability – are safe and healthy. As well, we encourage you to take these extra precautions when dealing with flooding to help prevent additional health problems: Outdoors: Use protective clothing when participating in flood cleanup activities.Always wash your hands with soap and clean water after being in contact with floodwater.Only allow children to play in floodwater areas one week after they have been cleaned, as well as dry.You can only eat cooked produce grown from a garden that has been flooded. Indoors: Remove dirty water and use a pump for spaces such as behind walls and under floors.Clean all hard surfaces with hot, soapy water.Machine wash the following items in hot water: clothing, bedding and other soft/fabric articles including children’s toys.Throw out cushions and other soft furnishings that cannot be washed.Turn up the heat and/or open windows to help the drying process.Watch for boil water advisories in your area. Keep Food Safe If your kitchen has come into contact with floodwater and/or sewage, inspect all food items thoroughly and throw out thawed and spoiled food. Use hot, soapy water to clean food preparation surfaces, dishes and utensils, and discard wooden chopping boards and spoons. Contact your primary health care provider for a virtual consultation if you develop an upset stomach.