The key steps for managing a flood alert
The key steps for managing a flood alert
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. These change in conditions require everyone to make arrangements for any disaster, especially flooding.
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 know that your locality is prone to floods and that a storm is on its way, block off your doors, windows and vents with metal or plywood sheeting, or for stronger protection create a sandbag barrier. Silicone sealant is another thing that you can use during floods, to make sure that water doesn’t seep in into your home. Steps like these will keep your household dry and safe through brief floods, though heavier sustained storms need better defences.
Shut off your utilities.
You should remember to turn off all your utilities, such as gas, electricity and even water, at the mains. Remember to remove the plugs of all electrical appliances and place them at a height above the expected flood level, possibly the second floor of your home. 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.
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. Be sure to remove carpets, curtains and even internal doors.
Store these articles at height to save them from water which may enter.
The higher areas like the second floors are the best places to accumulate essential papers, images and other personal articles which are difficult to replace. Also store them in waterproof containers such as food storage containers. At the least, place them in sealed plastic bags to keep them dry.
Find a safe place for all external items like rakes. These items can be readily picked up by floodwaters, and this might prove dangerous for others in the vicinity. Also put more valuable items that could float away into a locked building such as you 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.
The information provided is of great importance in such crises.
So stay tuned to the radio for the latest news and warnings. Be sure to cooperate fully with local authorities and emergency services. If you are ordered to evacuate, you should follow them immediately to avoid putting yourself and those around you in danger.
As electricity if often unavailable in such cases plan to complete all preparatory work during day. Also doing things in the night can be risky. For emergency purposes, ensure that you load your torches with fresh batteries and also have a spare on hand.
Pass the threat information to all your neighbors and senior citizens especially, to enable them to arrange protection for themselves.
Be sure to stay inside your house. This is to ensure your safety as the flood water could be dangerous. 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.
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. There maybe objects floating in the water, so do not attempt to swim through raging flood. These objects can hurt or trap you and you could be washed away.
Avoid contact with floodwater if possible, as it could be polluted with dirt and sewage. It really wont be a good idea to fall ill because of the contaminated floodwater. The most dangerous places that must be avoided during floods are sea defenses, river bridges and riverbanks, hence keep away from such dangerous areas. You might have heard of many incidences of floodwater having destroyed and collapsed defenses and bridges , so don’t make yourself a victim.