The crucial steps for managing a flood alert
The crucial steps for managing a flood alert
Even non flooding areas encounter flooding as a result of high winds and severe storms. Weather conditions have become extreme and regions that were once deprived of water can now encounter heavy rainfall in a single day. As a result everybody should be prepared for anything, particularly flooding.
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.
Make sure the water does not break in your house.
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. These measures will not last for days but they may hold back a short lasting flood and keep your possessions dry.
Shut off your utilities.
It is always important to shut down the mains utilities like gas, power, water etc. You should also remember to unplug all your electrical appliances and store them at high places, on the second floor, if possible. 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.
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.
If your house is a bungalow and therefore lacks a second floor, use blocks or bricks to elevate these items. Removing carpets, curtains and internal doors is recommended.
When all these goods are stored at high locations, they stand a much better chance of weathering the incoming water.
Important papers, pictures and other personal items should also be placed on higher grounds, particularly on the second floor of your house. These valuables are best stored in airtight containers like food tins. However in case you do not have these containers, you can always use plastic bags for the same purpose.
Find a safe place for all external items like rakes. If not, these items will be floating on the flood water, which may pose a threat to others. Any possessions that may be washed out by the storm must be kept in a lockable area like a garage. 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.
Certain things are to be kept in mind if there is a flood warning in your area.
In circumstance such as these, information is of vital importance.
To keep yourself updated about the broadcasts and announcements, listening to the radio. 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.
All of your immediate tasks should be performed during the day, as it is very likely that electricity will become unavailable. It is much more difficult and unsafe to do things in the dark. Keeping batteries and torches in places you will remember is a handy tip for coping with an emergency.
Help you neighbors, especially senior citizens to prepare for such situations by sharing authentic information with them.
Secure yourself inside your house and do not go out. 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. As soon as you hear the flood warning announced move to the second floor. Hazardous objects may be borne by the floodwaters, it is extremely dangerous to try and swim through such raging currents. You can either be swept away or be knocked over by objects that are in the water.
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. Where possible, steer clear of riverbanks, bridges over rivers and sea defenses during floods, as they are extremely hazardous places to be. You might have heard of many incidences of floodwater having destroyed and collapsed defenses and bridges , so don’t make yourself a victim.