Your program for the imminent flood alert
Your program for the imminent flood alert
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. Therefore, it is important that everyone knows how to react to an event such as a flood.
You may not receive fair warning of a flash flood, but you can certainly take preventive steps to protect your house from drastic damage.
The primary need is to make sure that water cannot get into your home.
For those who live in highly vulnerable areas where heavy rains or storms are expected often, it is advisable to cover-up doors and windows using metal sheets, sandbags, plywood etc. Silicone sealant is another thing that you can use during floods, to make sure that water doesn’t seep in into your home. These measures will not last for days but they may hold back a short lasting flood and keep your possessions dry.
It is advised to switch off all appliances during floods.
It is important to shut off the electricity, gas and even water supplies, as well as other utilities, at the mains supply. Electrical equipment must be unplugged and stored at height to prevent contact with water. This will ensure that if water does come into the house even a few feet deep, your goods will remain safe and dry.
Be mindful of your appliances and 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 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 them all in high places to ensure that they are protected from water.
Photos, documents and personal things that are important and cannot be replaced must be placed at height or on the second floor if available. Again, make sure to use waterproof containers like food storage containers to store away these. 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. It can be dangerous for others if these articles get caught in floodwater easily. Use a building that can be secured, such as a garage, to store items of value that might be carried away. A heavy item like wheelbarrow can be very easily float if kept in the open but can be prevented from floating and damaged by floodwater if stored in the garage.
Soon after the announcement of a potential flood, make sure to follow some important rules.
Information is crucial during situations like these.
So stay tuned to the radio for the latest news and warnings. Be sure to cooperate fully with local authorities and emergency services. They may need you to move out of the house, which you must do quickly to avoid aggravating the risk to you and the emergency services.
All of your immediate tasks should be performed during the day, as it is very likely that electricity will become unavailable. Doing things in the dark is not only tough but also dangerous. Keeping batteries and torches in places you will remember is a handy tip for coping with an emergency.
Share the information with your neighbors, particularly the old people, so that they can also prepare themselves.
Do not try to go out of your house until and unless you are asked to. Floodwater can kill, especially when it is raging, so do not attempt to go out. You must be aware of the fact that rapidly flowing water above six inches can easily carry off an adult while above two feet can float away your car.
Make sure to find some safe place for your pets and your familys cars. It is best to stay on the second floor of your house once you receive a flood warning. Avoid swimming as fdangerous loating objects may be present in the water. You can get hurt by these objects or you might even be swept away.
Floodwater is dirty due to the presence of sewage and any contact with it should be possibly avoided. 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. Many instances can be sighted leading to the destruction of bridges and defenses due to the alarming effect of floods.