The average persons guidebook to taking on a flood before it comes
The average persons guidebook to taking on a flood before it comes
Areas which are not vulnerable to flooding can at times be impacted by the adverse effects of strong storms and high winds. 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. As a result everybody should be prepared for anything, particularly flooding.
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.
Make sure the water does not break in 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 is another thing that you can use during floods, to make sure that water doesn’t seep in into your home. Measures such as these will not last for days, but may shore up your house against a short-term flood and help to keep possessions dry.
Take care to ensure that your utilities are turned off.
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. 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.
Stay alert when it comes to your appliances or furniture.
It is essential to safeguard your precious furniture and appliances by storing them upstairs or on elevated areas downstairs.
If a second floor is not available, as in case of a bungalow, raise items by arranging them on blocks or bricks. It is advisable to ensure that curtains, carpets, and doors within the house are taken out.
Stock them up at a height so that they are screened from being exposed to water.
Use higher grounds, particularly your house’s second floor, to store personal items such as important papers and pictures. These valuables are best stored in airtight containers like food tins. If not, you should put important papers in sealed plastic bags to ensure that they are protected from water.
Items usually kept outside the house, such as gardening implements, should be removed to a safe location. They should be kept safely because they can float easily in floodwater and this can cause various other problems. Any possessions that may be washed out by the storm must be kept in a lockable area like a garage. 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.
Keep you ears and eyes open for any sort of information.
Thus, you need to always listen to the radio for announcements and updates. 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. It will be tough and unsafe if you perform these things in the dark. For emergency purposes, ensure that you load your torches with fresh batteries and also have a spare on hand.
When you get any such announcement, share it with your neighbors without fail, especially any older people, in order that they have enough time to get prepared.
It is advisable to remain in your home. Floodwaters are so powerful that they can kill while flowing strongly, therefore it is recommended that you stay inside. It is important to note that rapid flowing water that is six inches high could make you fall, while two feet of water could make your car float.
If you have any pets or cars, make sure to keep them in a safe place. It is best to stay on the second floor of your house once you receive a flood warning. Avoid swimming as fdangerous loating objects may be present in the water. 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. 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. Incidents of bridges and defenses collapsing are a common occurrence in floods.