Flood Safety
What you can do:
Before the Flood
-
You and your family members should know the flood risk of your home , if your area is a flood prone one.
-
You must to know the sources of flood. (river , canal , lake , rain etc.) including and their inlets and outlets. Out of experience you can know the nature and fury of flooding.
-
Those who live near sea also should treat themselves as vulnerable for flooding by sea, as it has become a common happening of sea water entering the land , due to climate change.
-
You must be clear, that if there is going to be flood where you will go , how will you go and through which route, etc. Better you prepare a plan on this aspect and make it a document. You must study the flood history of the rivers and canals. You should know your escape route . Better pate the map on a wall . It should not be just one. Have options of several routes , as flood can make your routes inaccessible..
-
What will be the mode of transport? If you own a vehicle , during the flood seasons you must always return home with you vehicle fuel tank filled with gas.
-
Always keep sufficient medicine, first aid kit, water and food. You must have stock of such food items which may not need refrigeration and will need little cooking.
-
Keep sufficient cash & credit card.
-
Always keep your phone charged. In case of a flood, the first causality will be your electric supply.
-
Keep a battery operated radio with recently bought batteries to know the situation.
-
Have the telephone number of the Fire Department ready at hand or the appropriate emergency services.
-
As a community you should arrange to install a Community Flood Alarm System.
-
You must check the valves installed in your house sewer system to prevent flood water entering your home.
-
There is likelihood of family members being separated during a flood. You should arrange with a friend outside your area / town to be a Control Room Person. His address, telephone number should be with every family member. Even if get separated, they should be able to reach the control room
During the Flood
-
Watch the TV and listen to radio and know the flood situation.
-
If time permits, take most valuables from lower floor to higher floors.
-
Reptiles / snakes and other small animals caught in the flood may try to take refuge in your house. You have to exercise caution.Use a long stick to pick and throw.
-
Move out of the area which is getting flooded quickly.
-
Before you leave remember to switch off your main power supply and close the gas connection.
-
Don’t try to cross water where you are not sure of the depth. If the water is above your hip, turn around and take another route.
-
If you find that you will be surrounded by water, go to the highest point of your area and look for help. Use your mobile. Keep a flash light which you can use to signal.
-
If you want to cross a river where the water level may not look threatening, remember the danger of a flash flood.. Never try to cross a flood over a river as there is the danger of you along with your vehicle being washed away.
-
But driving in an area which is flooded is dangerous. Rain would have caused havoc and damaged the road and drainage system severely. You may have a serious accident.
-
If during a flood, the water enters your house leave the house immediately. Water and live electrical wires combined is a dangerous combination. Don’t try to turn off the power supply after the water has entered your house as you may get electrocuted.
-
If you use a boat, carry a life jacket.
After the Flood
-
Do not return until you are sure of safety. You should also be sure that the flood will not come again.
-
The flood might have receded, but it could have caused some damage because of which some structures could fall like a wall or a roof.
-
Do not eat any food which has come in contact with the flood water.
-
Boil drinking water before using. Pump out well water. Test the water before using it.
-
Do not hurriedly use electrical gadgets after the flood. Check that no water has entered inside before you connect it to the power.
-
Never touch the damp walls.
-
If electrical appliances have been under water, have them dried out. Have them tested by a competent person..
Carbon Monoxide Exhaust Kills
Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machine outdoors. The same goes for camping stoves. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly -- cook with charcoal only outdoors.
Clean Everything That Gets Wet
Floodwaters have picked up sewage and chemicals from roads, farms, factories, and storage buildings. Spoiled food and flooded cosmetics and medicines are health hazards. When in doubt, throw them out.
Take Good Care of Yourself
Recovering from a flood is a big job. It is tough on both the body and the spirit. And the effects a disaster has on you and your family may last a long time. Learn how to recognize and care for anxiety, stress, and fatigue. |