The householders guidebook to managing an unpredicted flood
The householders guidebook to managing an unpredicted flood
Areas which are not vulnerable to flooding can at times be impacted by the adverse effects of strong storms and high winds. Less prone areas which were not previously flooded are now facing extreme atmospheric conditions sometimes leading to rainfall of one month in one day. Due to this extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, one should be prepared for any natural emergency or disaster such as floods.
Whilst these acts of god can strike at anytime there are a number of things you can do to try to safeguard your home from flash floods.
The first and foremost step is that you must stop water from coming into your home.
If you are expecting heavy rains or storms to hit your area, particularly if you live in a flood-prone area, you should cover your doors, or even windows, with metal sheets, sandbags, or plywood. Silicone sealant applied to the joints of shutters and glazing is effective in preventing water seepage. However such measures last only for a short period of time, but they definitely help you to prevent your possessions from getting wet.
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. Additionally, having unplugged all electrical appliances you should store them in elevated places; if possible, on the second floor. This is so because the water that enters your home might climb several feet but if the appliances are kept at a height they would remain safe even in such a condition.
Take special care of the appliances and furniture.
They should be kept at a height so as to prevent them from getting soaked in water.
In case you do not have a higher area in your home, you can always use bricks or blocks to make one. Be sure to remove carpets, curtains and even internal doors.
Store them all in high places to ensure that they are protected from water.
All your office items like papers, pictures in addition to personal items must be stored on the second floor safely. Also store them in waterproof containers such as food storage containers. At the least, place them in sealed plastic bags to keep them dry.
Ensure that all garden and garage tools and other outdoor equipment are firmly secured. Floodwater can easily float these items, which can pose danger to others. Items which are expensive and can easily float away in water should be kept in a closed place like a garage. 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.
Certain things are to be kept in mind if there is a flood warning in your area.
During such times, information plays a vital role to the decisions you need to make.
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.
Try to finish up your work during the daytime as electricity is usually not available in such conditions. Also doing things in the night can be risky. 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.
Do not try to go out of your house until and unless you are asked to. Floodwaters are so powerful that they can kill while flowing strongly, therefore it is recommended that you stay inside. Remember that even six inches of rapid currents can cause you to fall and even two feet of water can lift a car!.
Ensure that your pets and cars are in a safe location. When the flooding happens just staying inside your house is not enough, you must climb onto the second floor and stay there whilst the flood lasts. Avoid swimming as fdangerous loating objects may be present in the water. These objects could knock you over or cause you to be carried away by the floodwater.
Leaking sewage invariably finds its way into floodwater, so stay away from the water as much as you can. 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.