Floodwater runoff carries a lot of risk, both visible and hidden.  Health officials in Kansas and Missouri want to warn you of the possibilities.

Rapid Current:  The National Weather Service states that simply six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. Two feet of fast-moving water will sweep cars away. Flowing water is often moving faster than you realize. Murky flood water hides multiple hazards underfoot, one false step and you can be swept away and drown. Never let children play in flood water.

Debris:  Rushing flood waters pick up everything: tree branches, lumber, furniture, propane tanks, even houses. These heavy items develop incredible force when pushed by rapidly moving water. Colliding with this type of heavy debris can cause serious injuries or death.

Chemicals:  Flood waters and may contain any variety of contaminants including, fertilizer, and pesticides, industrial chemicals, toxic wastes, paint, oil, fuel, gasoline, human and animal waste.

Infectious organisms: Flood water may contain E. Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Hepatitis A Virus, and Typhoid. Flood water additionally attracts mosquitoes which can breed and spread disease.

Shock hazards:  Flood water can be charged with electricity from underground or downed power lines. Wading in water around buildings where the electricity is still on can lead to electrocution.

If you live in an area prone to flooding, pay attention to local forecasts and advisories or warnings have an evacuation plan and move to higher ground before the water rises. Contact your local law enforcement and health department officials for up-to-date instructions in your area.

Avoid contact and restrict pets and livestock from contact with river water until the flooding conditions cease. Waters may not recede for several weeks.

Officials say the best way to avoid the risk is to avoid the water.