Ready yourself for the future flooding in your region
Ready yourself for the future flooding in your region
Strong storms and high winds often cause flooding, even in areas that are not prone to such an event. The weather conditions have undergone a drastic change so much so that areas which used to remain unflooded are now experiencing huge rainfall. These change in conditions require everyone to make arrangements for any disaster, especially 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.
Prevent water from entering your home.
If severe rains or storms are expected to reach your area, cover your doors and windows with wood, sheets of metal, or sandbags, particularly if you reside in an area that is prone to flooding. You can also use silicone sealant to ensure that water will not enter your home. Long-term effects are not guaranteed by these methods, however these measures will protect your property from damage due to flash floods and keep them dry for a while.
It is advised to switch off all appliances during floods.
You should remember to turn off all your utilities, such as gas, electricity and even water, at the mains. Importantly, switching off the power running to appliances must not be forgotten. This is so because the water that enters your home might climb several feet but if the appliances are kept at a height they would remain safe even in such a condition.
Take great care of your furniture and other equipment.
It is essential to safeguard your precious furniture and appliances by storing them upstairs or on elevated areas downstairs.
If your house is a bungalow and therefore lacks a second floor, use blocks or bricks to elevate these items. Be sure to remove carpets, curtains and even internal doors.
Store these articles at height to save them from water which may enter.
All personal documents, papers and such items must be sealed properly and stored in a dry place upstairs. To ensure total safety, you can put them up in waterproof containers like the ones used for storing food. If you do not have these, keep important papers from contact with floodwater by storing them in plastic bags that can be sealed.
Rakes and other objects that are outside your house also need proper attention. They should be kept safely because they can float easily in floodwater and this can cause various other problems. Besides, keep all your important items in a locked room or building (a garage) to prevent them from floating away. A seemingly heavy object like a wheelbarrow can be flung about and carried away by the flood, but it will be safe if stored inside your garage.
If a flood warning is issued here are important things you need to do once you a flood warning has been issued.
Information is crucial during situations like these.
Be attentive to all radio announcements and flood updates given by local services. Your co-operation with the local authorities and service providers is must in the hour of need. 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.
Do not delay doing important work during the day as at night you cannot guarantee the availability of power. Also doing things in the night can be risky. Also get batteries for your torches and know where they are.
Do not keep the information that you receive to yourself, spread the word especially to the old people.
Try to spend as much time as possible in the house rather than exposing yourself to risk outside. Violent flood waters can cause fatalities, hence it is imperative that you stay inside the house. 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.
Keep your pets and automobiles in secure areas. As soon as you come to know about the flood alerts, relocating to the second floor of your house is recommended. Since many objects may float in the raging floodwater, do not try to swim across to safety or a higher location. If you risk this you may be knocked over by the floating objects.
Floodwater may be dirty and contaminated with sewage, so you should avoid contact if possible. Just imagine making it through the flood, and then falling sick because of contamination!. Avoid visiting places like sea defenses, riverbanks and bridges in floods as these can be very risky areas. Many instances can be sighted leading to the destruction of bridges and defenses due to the alarming effect of floods.