The guide to diluting the affect of an unannounced flood
The guide to diluting the affect of an unannounced flood
Strong storms and high winds often cause flooding, even in areas that are not prone to such an event. Less prone areas which were not previously flooded are now facing extreme atmospheric conditions sometimes leading to rainfall of one month in one day. Therefore, it is important that everyone knows how to react to an event such as a flood.
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.
Take measures to keep water out of your house.
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. You can also use silicone sealant to ensure that water will not enter your home. These measures will not last for days but they may hold back a short lasting flood and keep your possessions dry.
Take care to ensure that your utilities are turned off.
Make a point to turn off all utilities and services including gas, electricity and water. All electrical equipment must be unplugged and stored at the highest floor level to avoid flood damage. Storage on the second floor ensures that items can remain dry and far from the influence of water, as in most cases the water level will not reach the level of the upstairs floors inside homes.
You need to take good care of your furniture and other appliances.
Check that the high priced furniture and equipment are stored at height or on the upper floors.
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.
When all these goods are stored at high locations, they stand a much better chance of weathering the incoming 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. To ensure total safety, you can put them up in waterproof containers like the ones used for storing food. Otherwise, to make sure the important papers are safe against water, place them in sealed plastic bags.
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. Besides, keep all your important items in a locked room or building (a garage) to prevent them from floating away. Wheelbarrow should also be kept in a garage, else it can also float away.
Listen carefully for flood warnings, there some steps you need to take on hearing such an announcement.
In circumstance such as these, information is of vital importance.
Thus, you need to always listen to the radio for announcements and updates. Be supportive of the emergency crews and local authorities, give them all your cooperation. In case, they want you to vacate, just follow their instructions and your evacuation as quick as possible, since you are endangering your life as well as those of the helpers until you are safe.
Do not delay doing important work during the day as at night you cannot guarantee the availability of power. Doing things in the dark is not only tough but also dangerous. Also get batteries for your torches and know where they are.
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.
Until the time to move stay in your house safely. Floodwater can kill, especially when it is raging, so do not attempt to go out. 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.
Cars and household pets should be removed to a place where they will be out of danger. As soon as you hear the flood warning announced move to the second floor. During uncontrollable floods, it is not advised to swim as there would be items floating along which could hit you. There are chances of getting swept away or collisions with objects present in the water.
Avoid contact with floodwater, as it may be unclean or have become contaminated by contact with sewage waste. It really wont be a good idea to fall ill because of the contaminated floodwater. River bridges, sea defenses, and riverbanks are very dangerous places to be in during floods, so be sure to steer away from them if possible. There have been many cases wherein floodwater have destroyed or collapsed bridges and defenses.