Prepare yourself for the next flooding in your region
Prepare yourself for the next flooding in your region
Flooding is often the result of high winds and powerful storms, even in areas not prone to such occurrences. The weather conditions have undergone a drastic change so much so that areas which used to remain unflooded are now experiencing huge rainfall. This has led to a situation where every individual must be ready to face household emergencies, especially flooding.
Whilst these acts of god can strike at anytime there are a number of things you can do to try to safeguard your home from flash floods.
The first and foremost step is that you must stop water from coming into your home.
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 will also help in preventing water from coming into your home. Long-term effects are not guaranteed by these methods, however these measures will protect your property from damage due to flash floods and keep them dry for a while.
Switch off your electricity, water and gas lines to minimise short circuits, leakages and fire.
It is important to shut off the electricity, gas and even water supplies, as well as other utilities, at the mains supply. Remember to remove the plugs of all electrical appliances and place them at a height above the expected flood level, possibly the second floor of your home. The water may enter into your home in spite of you being very careful, and although the water level normally increases some feet this may not be up to up to the second floor of your house so that it is dry and any items left there will be intact.
Pay particular attention to your appliances and house furniture.
They should be kept at a height so as to prevent them from getting soaked in water.
If you do not have a second floor as you live in a bungalow, you can just raise such items on blocks or bricks. It is advisable to ensure that curtains, carpets, and doors within the house are taken out.
Store these articles at height to save them from water which may enter.
Photos, documents and personal things that are important and cannot be replaced must be placed at height or on the second floor if available. To ensure total safety, you can put them up in waterproof containers like the ones used for storing food. If the above is not possible, you can just seal these papers into plastic refuse bags to be shielded from water.
Make sure that all objects outside your house, such as rakes, are kept in a safe place. Items floating in floodwater can be dangerous for others. Use your garage, a locked building, as the most suitable place to store precious garden articles which are prone to damage. Even a wheelbarrow could float away if left outside whereas it will not move if kept in a garage and will not be harmed by the flood water.
Certain things are to be kept in mind if there is a flood warning in your area.
During such times, information plays a vital role to the decisions you need to make.
Thus, you need to always listen to the radio for announcements and updates. Extend your full cooperation to emergency services and local authorities. If asked to evacuate comply immediately as delays can increase risk for you and the helpers who are trying to assist you.
Do not delay doing important work during the day as at night you cannot guarantee the availability of power. Also doing things in the night can be risky. Acquire appropriate batteries for your torches and know their location in the house.
Help you neighbors, especially senior citizens to prepare for such situations by sharing authentic information with them.
Avoid moving out of your homes. Floodwaters are so powerful that they can kill while flowing strongly, therefore it is recommended that you stay inside. Take notice of that fact that your car can float in two feet of water whereas six inches of rapidly flowing water is sufficient to make you fall.
Ensure that your pets and cars are in a safe location. Climb up and stay on the second floor of your house if a flood warning has been issued in your area. Hazardous objects may be borne by the floodwaters, it is extremely dangerous to try and swim through such raging currents. These objects can hurt or trap you and you could be washed away.
Avoid contact with floodwater, as it may be unclean or have become contaminated by contact with sewage waste. It really will be a terrible situation if you survive the flood and later fell ill owing to contaminated water. The frontlines of waterbodies, such as bridges, riverbanks and sea barriers are the most risky places in a flood, so just stay away from such locations. The defenses and bridges have often collapsed in the past due to the floodwater.