The householders guide to addressing an unannounced flood
The householders guide to addressing an unannounced flood
Floods can be caused by high winds and heavy storms, even in areas that are not accustomed to witness such events. A whole month’s quota of rain can fall in a single day in areas that have never witnessed floods, owing to the rapidly changing weather of today. Due to this extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, one should be prepared for any natural emergency or disaster such as floods.
Floods can strike anywhere and at anytime, so you should be prepared to tackle such emergency conditions.
Take measures to keep water out of your house.
For those who live in highly vulnerable areas where heavy rains or storms are expected often, it is advisable to cover-up doors and windows using metal sheets, sandbags, plywood etc. 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.
Switch off your electricity, water and gas lines to minimise short circuits, leakages and fire.
The main supply for water, electricity and gas should be shut down at once. All electrical equipment must be unplugged and stored at the highest floor level to avoid flood damage. Water entry into homes often rises several feet but this will mean that the second floor is dry and any items you have stored there will not be impacted.
Take special care of the appliances and furniture.
It is essential to safeguard your precious furniture and appliances by storing them upstairs or on elevated areas downstairs.
In case you do not have a higher area in your home, you can always use bricks or blocks to make one. Ensure removal of all curtains, carpets and internal doors as well.
They all should be kept at a higher level, so that they remain dry and away from water.
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. Put these items in containers that are impervious to water, such as those used for storing food. In case of non availability of waterproof containers use sealed plastic bags or refuse sacks to safeguard important documents against water.
Rakes and other objects that are outside your house also need proper attention. If not, these items will be floating on the flood water, which may pose a threat to others. Use your garage, a locked building, as the most suitable place to store precious garden articles which are prone to damage. Wheelbarrow should also be kept in a garage, else it can also float away.
Soon after the announcement of a potential flood, make sure to follow some important rules.
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. If they require you to evacuate, follow them and do not delay as you will put yourself and your helpers at risk.
Since electricity will almost certainly be unavailable, you must ensure that you do all the things you need to do during the day. Doing things in the dark is not only tough but also dangerous. 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.
Avoid moving out of your homes. This is to ensure your safety as the flood water could be dangerous. Take notice of that fact that your car can float in two feet of water whereas six inches of rapidly flowing water is sufficient to make you fall.
Cars and pets should be kept at a safe place. As soon as you hear the flood warning announced move to the second floor. 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.
Floodwater may be dirty and contaminated with sewage, so you should avoid contact if possible. Getting infected due to the befouled water could be tragic whenh you have been saved from drowning. Riverbanks, sea defenses and river bridges are the most dangerous places during floods, so avoid going near them. Incidents of bridges and defenses collapsing are a common occurrence in floods.