Do not get taken unprepared by an unheralded flood
Do not get taken unprepared by an unheralded flood
Areas which are not vulnerable to flooding can at times be impacted by the adverse effects of strong storms and high winds. Areas that had previously remained unflooded can, in the extreme weather conditions we face today, receive the equivalent of a month’s rainfall in a single day. Due to this extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, one should be prepared for any natural emergency or disaster such as floods.
Owing to the uncertain occurrence of these acts of God, you must undertake a number of measures to prevent your house from being affected with flash floods.
Prevent water from entering your home.
If you are already aware of an expected storm or heavy downpour in your area, or if your house is located in a flood-prone area, you must act immediately, protecting your doors and windows using plywood and metal sheets and shielding them using sandbags. 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.
Switch off your electricity, water and gas lines to minimise short circuits, leakages and fire.
The main supply for water, electricity and gas should be shut down at once. Additionally, having unplugged all electrical appliances you should store them in elevated places; if possible, on the second floor. 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.
You need to take good care of your furniture and other appliances.
They should be kept at a height so as to prevent them from getting soaked in water.
Suppose there is no second floor, just keep those items at a higher level like on some bricks. Removing carpets, curtains and internal doors is recommended.
If you want to give protection from water to any of your possessions, all these should be stored in raised places.
Use higher grounds, particularly your house’s second floor, to store personal items such as important papers and pictures. To ensure total safety, you can put them up in waterproof containers like the ones used for storing food. Otherwise, to make sure the important papers are safe against water, place them in sealed plastic bags.
Rakes and other objects, that lie outside your house must be placed in secure places. If not, these items will be floating on the flood water, which may pose a threat to others. Use your garage, a locked building, as the most suitable place to store precious garden articles which are prone to damage. For instance, floodwater can even float away a wheelbarrow if kept in the open, but if it is locked into a garage, the possibility is very low.
Once you have received a flood warning, there are several important tasks you must carry out immediately.
The information provided is of great importance in such crises.
Be attentive to all radio announcements and flood updates given by local services. Ensure that you act in cooperation with the directions of the emergency services and local authorities. The authorities might ask you to evacuate, in such a case you should follow their orders immediately as it is for your own good only.
Since electricity will almost certainly be unavailable, you must ensure that you do all the things you need to do during the day. Doing things in the dark is not only tough but also dangerous. Also get batteries for your torches and know where they are.
Alert your older neighbours to any new warnings, so they can get ready for the floods.
Do not try to go out of your house until and unless you are asked to. Do not attempt to leave it, as floodwater can be lethal, particularly when raging. Be aware that when water is flowing rapidly, a small depth of water can cause you to fall over; only two feet is required to float your car.
If you have any pets or cars, make sure to keep them in a safe place. When a flood announcement is made, you must move upstairs to the highest floor of your house. Since many objects may float in the raging floodwater, do not try to swim across to safety or a higher location. If you risk this you may be knocked over by the floating objects.
Besides, floodwater may be filthy and polluted with sewage, try to prevent any contact to avoid future infection. It would indeed be a pity to survive a serious event such as a flood, only to fall ill from contact with polluted water. Riverbanks, sea defenses and river bridges are the most dangerous places during floods, so avoid going near them. Many instances can be sighted leading to the destruction of bridges and defenses due to the alarming effect of floods.
