Do not get taken unprepared by an unpredicted flood
Do not get taken unprepared by an unpredicted flood
Areas which are not vulnerable to flooding can at times be impacted by the adverse effects of strong storms and high winds. With the extreme weather conditions that we are facing today previously unflooded areas can receive a months worth of rainfall in one day. Such an eventuality like flooding requires that everyone be ready well in advance at anytime.
Floods can strike anywhere and at anytime, so you should be prepared to tackle such emergency conditions.
Make provisions that restrict water from entering the house.
If you are expecting heavy rains or storms to hit your area, particularly if you live in a flood-prone area, you should cover your doors, or even windows, with metal sheets, sandbags, or plywood. Silicone sealant is another thing that you can use during floods, to make sure that water doesn’t seep in into your home. Measures such as these will not last for days, but may shore up your house against a short-term flood and help to keep possessions dry.
You must shut off all your utilities.
It is always important to shut down the mains utilities like gas, power, water etc. Additionally, having unplugged all electrical appliances you should store them in elevated places; if possible, on the second floor. Water entry into homes often rises several feet but this will mean that the second floor is dry and any items you have stored there will not be impacted.
Stay alert when it comes to your appliances or furniture.
Before the flood hits, move all your valuable goods and fixtures to the first or second floor, or at least onto the highest shelves.
If your house is a bungalow and therefore lacks a second floor, use blocks or bricks to elevate these items. Your curtains and carpets should be removed immediately, you should even remove the internal doors in your home.
To keep them from away from floodwater, store all of these in elevated places.
Important papers, pictures and other personal items should also be placed on higher grounds, particularly on the second floor of your house. Also store them in waterproof containers such as food storage containers. In case of non availability of waterproof containers use sealed plastic bags or refuse sacks to safeguard important documents against water.
Make sure that all objects outside your house, such as rakes, are kept in a safe place. The rising flood waters can lift such unsecured objects and cause harm to others. Also put more valuable items that could float away into a locked building such as you garage. A large item such as a wheelbarrow might be carried away if left where the waters can access it; if placed in a secure building, it will not be moved and the floodwater will not damage it.
FThe following are the steps to be followed in case a flood warning is announced.
During such times, information plays a vital role to the decisions you need to make.
Hence, keep a watch over the news for announcements or updates by listening to the radio or television. Offer your full support and cooperation to the local authorities and other emergency services. If asked to evacuate comply immediately as delays can increase risk for you and the helpers who are trying to assist you.
Power lines are invariably cut off during floods, so your activities must be confined to the daytime. It is dangerous and troublesome to move around in darkness. Keep extra batteries for your torches ready, these will come in very handy.
Help you neighbors, especially senior citizens to prepare for such situations by sharing authentic information with them.
Until the time to move stay in your house safely. Violent flood waters can cause fatalities, hence it is imperative that you stay inside the house. Remember that even six inches of rapid currents can cause you to fall and even two feet of water can lift a car!.
Make sure to find some safe place for your pets and your familys cars. Once you heard of flood warning, you should stay on the second floor of your house. Do not attempt to swim through a flood when it is raging, as there may be items suspended in the water. There are chances of getting swept away or collisions with objects present in the water.
Avoid contact with floodwater if possible, as it could be polluted with dirt and sewage. It would be a pitty to survive the flood but get sick due to exposure to contaminated water. Where possible, steer clear of riverbanks, bridges over rivers and sea defenses during floods, as they are extremely hazardous places to be. Cases of floodwater demolishing or bringing down bridges and defenses are frequently recorded.