The indispensable steps for handling a flood alert
The indispensable steps for handling a flood alert
Even non flooding areas encounter flooding as a result of high winds and severe storms. Less prone areas which were not previously flooded are now facing extreme atmospheric conditions sometimes leading to rainfall of one month in one day. Therefore, it is important that everyone knows how to react to an event such as a flood.
Floods can strike anywhere and at anytime, so you should be prepared to tackle such emergency conditions.
Make sure the water does not break in your house.
If you know that your locality is prone to floods and that a storm is on its way, block off your doors, windows and vents with metal or plywood sheeting, or for stronger protection create a sandbag barrier. Silicone sealant applied to the joints of shutters and glazing is effective in preventing water seepage. Though these measures do not help over an elongated period, they may be beneficial in the short-run to protect from a flood and keep your home dry.
You must shut off all your utilities.
It is important to shut off the electricity, gas and even water supplies, as well as other utilities, at the mains supply. Importantly, switching off the power running to appliances must not be forgotten. Water that enters homes may rise to a height of several feet or more; the second floor will therefore remain dry, so that any objects stored there will not be affected.
Take great care of your furniture and other equipment.
It is essential to safeguard your precious furniture and appliances by storing them upstairs or on elevated areas downstairs.
In case you do not have a higher area in your home, you can always use bricks or blocks to make one. 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. Otherwise, to make sure the important papers are safe against water, place them in sealed plastic bags.
Items usually kept outside the house, such as gardening implements, should be removed to a safe location. Floodwater can easily float these items, which can pose danger to others. Use your garage, a locked building, as the most suitable place to store precious garden articles which are prone to damage. Wheelbarrow should also be kept in a garage, else it can also float away.
Certain things are to be kept in mind if there is a flood warning in your area.
Information is crucial during situations like these.
Hence, keep a watch over the news for announcements or updates by listening to the radio or television. Ensure that you act in cooperation with the directions of the emergency services and local authorities. If they require you to evacuate, follow them and do not delay as you will put yourself and your helpers at risk.
Try to finish up your work during the daytime as electricity is usually not available in such conditions. It will be tough and unsafe if you perform these things in the dark. Keep extra batteries for your torches ready, these will come in very handy.
Share the information with your neighbors, particularly the old people, so that they can also prepare themselves.
Avoid moving out of your homes. Violent flood waters can cause fatalities, hence it is imperative that you stay inside the house. Fast paced water that is about six inches high can easily off-balance you while two feet is enough depth to float a car.
Be sure to safeguard your pets and cars in secure places. Climb up and stay on the second floor of your house if a flood warning has been issued in your area. Various objects might float in the floodwater so avoid swimming as it could be dangerous. These objects can hurt or trap you and you could be washed away.
Leaking sewage invariably finds its way into floodwater, so stay away from the water as much as you can. It really wont be a good idea to fall ill because of the contaminated floodwater. 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. Incidents of bridges and defenses collapsing are a common occurrence in floods.