How to support and preventive health measures
The state of Rio Grande do Sul is experiencing a serious climate emergency situation, as a result of the heavy rains that have hit the region in recent days. As climate change advances, extreme events become increasingly worse and more frequent.
At Cogna Educação, we value collective capacity and believe in collaboration as a fundamental pillar. We understand that facing challenges such as natural disasters requires network action, based on cooperation and solidarity between everyone.
At the time of emergency, our Higher Education Institutions (Anhanguera, Unime, Uniderp and Unic) and Red Balloon units spread across Brazil, together with our administrative offices and 2 corporate units, became donation collection points, directing their efforts to benefit victims of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul. In total, it is estimated that more than 14 tons of inputs were collected.
As a highlight, we bring the actions carried out in our units across the state.
- “Operation Anhanguera” (PT-BR), based on our Anhanguera unit in Caxias do Sul, carried out together with the Red Cross and the Brazilian Army, allowed efficient coordination and a faster and more organized distribution of donations to the most needy areas, serving as a state distribution center. During 29 days of intense activity, the operation mobilized volunteer resources, vehicles and a wide network of collection points to distribute a range of essential items – ensuring that the items were correctly organized and routed to the affected areas. The operation in the municipality of Caxias do Sul alone benefited more than 790 thousand people in different municipalities, collecting more than a thousand tons of donations.
- The Caixas do Sul unit also organized a temporary pharmacy, receiving, sorting and distributing medicines to all affected cities. To date, it has more than 20 thousand medicines registered.
- Anhanguera units across the state – its employees, teachers and students – also mobilized to provide services to the community and also served as volunteers in shelters and reception spaces.
- We highlight the work of psychology students from Anhanguera Rio Grande at the Atípico Shelter, aimed at welcoming people with disabilities, reduced mobility and their families.
This movement demonstrates the strength of unity and mutual support in times of need.
In this brief guide we seek to provide information about:
How to support the affected population
Health and Safety Care During Floods
Safety tips for those in affected regions
How to support the affected population
The donation channel for the SOS Rio Grande do Sul account, managed by the government, allocates resources to humanitarian support for flood victims. With the official donation channel, the government centralizes financial aid, offers security to donors and increases transparency in the allocation of resources.
Find out how to help:
Official Government Account
PIX key: 92.958.800/0001-38 (CNPJ).
Name: SOS Rio Grande do Sul / Bank: Banrisul
Association of the Public Ministry of RS
The Public Ministry Association of Rio Grande do Sul (AMP/RS) is joining forces to buy supplies for the victims.
Pix key: 87.027.595/0001-57 (CNPJ)
Bank: Sicredi
Health and Safety Care During Floods
After disasters, it is crucial to be prepared and know how to act to protect your health, such care prevents the emergence of diseases that find a favorable environment for their appearance. Natural disasters involving floods and contact with potentially contaminated water and mud are also times when diseases such as Leptospirosis, Hepatitis A and Diarrheal Diseases can appear. Always be alert for possible symptoms and in case of any discomfort, seek medical support.
If you are in affected regions, sign up to receive weather alerts from Civil Defense:
- Via SMS: send the zip code of your location via SMS to number 40199 (Brazil)
- Via WhatsApp: register by calling +55 (61) 2034-4611, send “Oi” to the automatic answering service and share your location (Brazil)
What should I know about these diseases?
Leptospirosis:
- Description: Bacterial disease present in the urine of rats, which can enter the human body through cuts in the skin or mucous membranes.
- Good Practices: Cover cuts with waterproof bandages, avoid walking barefoot and wear waterproof gloves and shoes.
- Avoid: Contact with or ingestion of water potentially contaminated by floods. If you have had contact, wash your hands with soap and water, avoid contact with contaminated water on your face (mouth, nose and ears).
Hepatitis A:
- Description: Viral disease transmitted by water or food contaminated by human sewage, with an incubation period of 4 weeks.
- Good Practices: Maintain adequate hygiene and disinfect objects, countertops and floors. Furthermore, the Hepatitis A vaccine is available in the SUS, and exceptionally in flood situations, the application of the vaccine to adults will be carried out without prior evaluation with the CRIE, maintaining the indications of the National Immunization Program and records in the health systems. current information.
- Symptoms: Malaise, fever, nausea, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Diarrheal Diseases:
- Description: Caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites present in contaminated water or food.
- Best Practices: Stay hydrated.
- Avoid: Consuming water from unreliable sources or contaminated food.
- Symptoms: Diarrhea (watery, with mucus or blood), malaise, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever.
How to take security measures?
During floods:
- If possible, wear boots or sneakers with the laces adjusted tightly to your feet. Never try to cross flooded areas, only in extreme situations, as there are holes and open drains covered by water;
- Stay away from water currents, as they occur at great speed and volume, and also carry objects that can cause injuries;
- Walk close to walls and walls, preferably secured by ropes or being helped by other people. The force of water in sloping places is uncontrollable;
- If you are caught in a current, float with your belly up and your feet forward to protect your head;
- Avoid being near downed poles and transmission lines. Electric shock is the second biggest cause of death during floods. Electricity is easily transmitted through flooded areas.
Safety near flooded areas:
- If it’s safe, stay home;
- Pay attention to weather reports and emergency alerts;
- Follow instructions from local authorities and use recommended evacuation routes;
- Avoid traveling to affected regions;
- If you live in a risk area, leave the area in advance;
- Separate important documents and pack them in plastic bags;
- When leaving, turn off the main electricity, water or gas switch;
- Avoid crossing water by car or on foot;
- If you are isolated in an unsafe place, call the Fire Department (193);
- Fill containers with drinking water for use in the event of a supply interruption.
What to do if you are driving during flooding?
- Do not face water courses with currents, as you and your vehicle could be swept away;
- If you are surprised by a flood, be aware of the water level by observing other vehicles;
- If the water level has exceeded the middle of the wheel, turn off the vehicle, get out and, on foot, look for a safe place to stay;
- If the water level has risen above the level of the door, climb out the car window, climb onto the roof of the vehicle and grab a seat belt to hold on until rescuers arrive;
- Only continue driving, with extra attention, if the water level is below the level of the wheel.
Find out what precautions to take if you encounter venomous animals during floods:
In flooded areas it is common to find some venomous animals such as spiders, scorpions, snakes and insects. Avoid direct contact, remain calm, slowly move away from the animal and seek professional help.
In case of a bite, seek immediate medical attention by calling 192 and follow the health professional’s instructions. Try to visualize the animal’s characteristics, this will help the health professional determine the necessary actions, wash the bite site with soap and water, and, if possible, keep the person lying down and at rest until help arrives.
Importantly, do not use a tourniquet or tourniquet, pierce, cut, burn, squeeze or apply suction to the wound site.
Has the water gone down? Here are some important measures that must be adopted to clean the house affected by the flood:
- Use of gloves, rubber boots or other type of protection for the legs and arms (such as double plastic bags) to avoid skin contact with contaminated water;
- Dispose of everything that cannot be recovered to the public collection and remove – with a brush, soap and clean water – the mud that remains in the environments, utensils, furniture and other objects in the house;
- Throw away medicines and foods (fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, milk and dairy products, canned goods) that have come into contact with flood waters, even if they are packaged in plastic or closed, as they may still be contaminated.
- In the case of household utensils (pots, cups, plates and smooth, washable objects), wash them normally with soap and water. Then, prepare a disinfectant solution by diluting one glass (200ml) of bleach (2.5% sodium hypochlorite) in four glasses of water (800ml). Immerse the washed objects in the solution, leaving them there for at least an hour.
- Wash floors, walls, benches and yard with soap and water. Then disinfect with bleach (2.5% sodium hypochlorite) in a proportion of 200 ml for a bucket with 20 liters of clean water, leaving it to act for 30 minutes.
Source: Rio Grande do Sul Health Department – for more information see the basic guide by accessing the link: saude.rs.gov.br (PT-BR)