Here's why 'flood selfies' are a bad idea
Floods can be dangerous. Here's why.
Italy is grappling with historic floods, after a pair of unusually high waves inundated Venice, prompting Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to issue a state of emergency Thursday.
For some people, the flood has become a curiosity. In tourist hotspots, vendors are selling cheap boots to help navigate the water, Stuff.nz reports.
In other areas, police have been moving along people who are stepping off the elevated flood walkways officials have installed to take flood selfies.
Earlier this week, a man was spotted swimming across St. Mark's square in Venice.
HIDDEN DANGERS IN FLOODWATERS
According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), it's best to avoid close contact with floodwater, because it may contain things that can cause injury or illness, including:
Powerlines
Sewage
Hazardous waste
Toxic chemicals
Wild animals, like rodents and snakes
Possible side effects of floodwater exposure include:
Infections
Rash
Vomiting or diarrhea
Tetanus
If you must come into contact with floodwater, protect yourself with rubber boots, goggles, and waterproof gloves. Make sure any wounds that have been exposed to floods are cleaned and sanitized, along with the clothes you were wearing at the time of the encounter.
