Your program for the next flood warning
Your program for the next flood warning
Even non flooding areas encounter flooding as a result of high winds and severe storms. With the extreme weather conditions that we are facing today previously unflooded areas can receive a months worth of rainfall 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.
Prevent water from entering your home.
If you are living in a flood prone area, or anticipating severe rains and storms, covering the doors and windows with sandbags, plywood or metal sheets is highly recommended. Silicone sealant will also help in preventing water from coming 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.
The main supply for water, electricity and gas should be shut down at once. 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.
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. Your curtains and carpets should be removed immediately, you should even remove the internal doors in your home.
They all should be kept at a higher level, so that they remain dry and away from water.
The second floor of the house can be used for putting down all the important papers and pictures. Again, make sure to use waterproof containers like food storage containers to store away these. However in case you do not have these containers, you can always use plastic bags for the same purpose.
Make sure that all objects outside your house, such as rakes, are kept in a safe place. They should be kept safely because they can float easily in floodwater and this can cause various other problems. Items which are expensive and can easily float away in water should be kept in a closed place like a garage. A seemingly heavy object like a wheelbarrow can be flung about and carried away by the flood, but it will be safe if stored inside your garage.
FThe following are the steps to be followed in case a flood warning is announced.
In circumstance such as these, information is of vital importance.
Therefore, keep listening to the radio and pay attention for information and announcements. Ensure that you act in cooperation with the directions of the emergency services and local authorities. In case, they want you to vacate, just follow their instructions and your evacuation as quick as possible, since you are endangering your life as well as those of the helpers until you are safe.
Power lines are invariably cut off during floods, so your activities must be confined to the daytime. It will be tough and unsafe if you perform these things in the dark. Keeping batteries and torches in places you will remember is a handy tip for coping with an emergency.
Do not keep the information that you receive to yourself, spread the word especially to the old people.
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. Remember that two feet of water level causes floating of your cars, while six inches of water is enough to drown a child.
Cars and pets should be kept at a safe place. When a flood announcement is made, you must move upstairs to the highest floor of your house. Various objects might float in the floodwater so avoid swimming as it could be dangerous. You can either be swept away or be knocked over by objects that are in the water.
Avoid contact with floodwater if possible, as it could be polluted with dirt and sewage. It really will be a terrible situation if you survive the flood and later fell ill owing to contaminated water. The most dangerous places that must be avoided during floods are sea defenses, river bridges and riverbanks, hence keep away from such dangerous areas. Many instances can be sighted leading to the destruction of bridges and defenses due to the alarming effect of floods.
