The steps you should do to prepare for that flood
The steps you should do to prepare for that flood
Heavy rains and stormy winds can often flood your locality, sometimes in unprecedented ways. Less prone areas which were not previously flooded are now facing extreme atmospheric conditions sometimes leading to rainfall of one month in one day. This has led to a situation where every individual must be ready to face household emergencies, especially flooding.
Although such “acts of God” can occur at any point, you can use a number of preventative measures to help to protect your home against flash floods.
The primary need is to make sure that water cannot get into your home.
If you stay in an area which is prone to flooding, make sure that you cover up your windows and doors using sandbags, plywood or metal sheets. A silicone sealant is a good water-proofing material that will keep your house free from water logs. 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.
Switch off any external services.
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. The level of water entering the house can escalate to a few feet yet storing things at height in the home can prevent them from getting damaged.
You need to take good care of your furniture and other appliances.
Before the flood hits, move all your valuable goods and fixtures to the first or second floor, or at least onto the highest shelves.
For those who live in houses without upper floors like a bungalow, it is better to store the valuables on blocks or bricks. It is advisable to ensure that curtains, carpets, and doors within the house are taken out.
They all should be kept at a higher level, so that they remain dry and away 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. Also store them in waterproof containers such as food storage containers. If you do not have these, keep important papers from contact with floodwater by storing them in plastic bags that can be sealed.
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. A locked building like garage can be an ideal place to keep valuable items as it prevents their floating away for the duration of a flood. Floods do not spare even heavy items like wheelbarrows as they could float away in water if left carelessly, however, garden implements can be kept safe and away from flood water when kept in garage or shed.
Listen carefully for flood warnings, there some steps you need to take on hearing such an announcement.
In circumstance such as these, information is of vital importance.
So stay tuned to the radio for the latest news and warnings. Offer your full support and cooperation to the local authorities and other emergency services. 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.
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. Also get batteries for your torches and know where they are.
Ensure that you share any information with your neighbours, particularly the elderly, so that they can properly prepare.
Do not try to go out of your house until and unless you are asked to. Floodwater in its most fast flowing form can take lives and one should avoid moving outside if at all possible. Remember that two feet of water level causes floating of your cars, while six inches of water is enough to drown a child.
If you have any pets or cars, make sure to keep them in a safe place. As soon as you come to know about the flood alerts, relocating to the second floor of your house is recommended. Various objects might float in the floodwater so avoid swimming as it could be dangerous. These objects could knock you over or cause you to be carried away by the floodwater.
Besides, floodwater may be filthy and polluted with sewage, try to prevent any contact to avoid future infection. It really will be a terrible situation if you survive the flood and later fell ill owing to contaminated water. The most dangerous areas during floods have been river bridges, sea defenses, and riverbanks, so it is always better to stay away from these during such situations. Cases of floodwater demolishing or bringing down bridges and defenses are frequently recorded.